LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Amsterdam: Years
built 628 days ago
Amsterdam is changing fast — a third of its brothels are being closed down and coffee shops face a no-smoking ban next year. But Philip Sen discovers a thriving alternative to the 'alternative' scene.
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Within the confederate Dutch Republic, Amsterdam enjoyed much autonomy. Its politicians, mostly recruited from the merchant community, were ... indirectly involved in determining national priorities, ensuring, for example, that Amsterdam's trade interests in the Baltic remained well protected. Amsterdam's four burgomasters, three of whom were replaced each year, were sometimes considered as the most powerful men in the country. The defense of the town's political independence was of great importance to them. The burgomasters ruled Amsterdam itself with the help of a great many corporate institutions. The guilds, for example, were and remained very important in the local economy.
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In the 16th and 17th century non-Dutch immigrants to Amsterdam were mostly Huguenots, Flemings, Sephardi Jews and Westphalians. Hugenots came after 1685's Edict of Fontainebleau, while the Flemish Protestants came during the Eighty Years' War. The Westphalians came to Amsterdam mostly for economic reasons – their influx continued through the 18th and 19th centuries.
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The tree which Anne Frank could see from her secret WWII hideout in Amsterdam has been saved from the axe. The decision means the horse chestnut will likely remain in place for as long as 15 years.
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The municipality of Amsterdam currently operates a program to make the red light district safer by buying former crackhouses and other properties used for criminal activity and turning them into legitimate businesses. This has greatly improved the public's (feeling of) safety over the last few years.
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[T]hings first...when should you go to Amsterdam? Whether you want to see millions of Dutch tulips in bloom, avoid high-season crowds, enjoy the year's warmest weather or experience unique festivals and events, these resources will guide you in choosing the best time to visit Amsterdam.
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