It all began with Giovanni da Verrazzano, the Italian explorer employed by French Crown in 1524. Giovanni gave the place the name of Nouvelle Angouleme. Later, the Dutch people came over to this part of America and colonial Director General of Holland, Peter Minuit bought the island of Manhattan from Lenape for 60 guilders in 1626. Now a days the equivalent would be around $1000.
Initial Phase of Evolution -1626-1700
While Dutch and others traded for a considerably long period in the area known as New York today, it was conquered by British in 1664. They renamed the city as New York after the English Duke of York and Albany. During the period the city experienced many epidemics, especially that of yellow fever between 160-1670 causing great loss of lives.
Growing Trade Center 1701-1776
New York City became one of the growing trading centers under British enforcement. With the establishment of freedom of Press in 1735 after the John Peter Zenger trial, media also became prominent in promoting trade and commerce in the city. Education took a jump-start with the establishment of Columbia University in 1754. However there were several skirmishes between the Sons of Liberty and British troops in the city during 1765-74.
American Revolution and Aftermath-1776-1790
After the Battle of Fort Washington in 1776, New York turned out to be one of the major British military and political bases in North America. Military occupation came to an end in 1783. At the same time a fire broke out destroying nearly 30% of the city. From 1783 to 1790 the city remained the capital of United States and also the seat of United States Congress and the Supreme Court. By 1790 it had become the biggest city in United States surpassing Philadelphia.
Immigration and Development 1801-1860
The city completely transformed with heavy immigration and development during the 19th century. With the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, the city grid was expanded and further expansions were made when the Erie Canal connecting the Atlantic port was opened to encompass the entire Manhattan. During 1857 the first landscaped park entitled Central Park was established. Huge number of free black population also resided in the city during 1827. Irish people were highest in number among immigrants and around 200000 such immigrants were residing in the city by 1860.
American Civil War and Birth of Modern City
American Civil War of 1861-65 and also the Draft Riots in 1863 that was one of the worst Civil War experienced ever by United States. Finally in 1898 the modern city was born by the addition of Brooklyn, Richmond, and Bronx.
New York City in 20th Century
The City Subway was opened in 1904 basically to help the blind people. During the first half of the twentieth century the city remained one of the largest centers for industry, commerce, and communication in the world. By the year 1920, New York City had one of the largest African American habitations in America. Huge skyscrapers came up all over the city giving it a feature of a concrete jungle. Ultimately by 1930 it became the first mega city in the world. In the post world war II period the City experienced an economic boom and also became the virtual world capital becoming the UN Headquarters in 1950. Going through various phases of economic problems during 1960s and 1970s, fiscal resurgence in 1980s, and all time high population by 2000, it became the trade center of the world by the end of the twentieth Century.
New York City- 21st Century
21st Century started with the human made disaster of September 11, 2001 attacks with nearly 3000 people losing their lives with the destruction of World Trade Center. Replacement of the tower will only be completed by 2013. Despite the unfortunate incident, New York still remains one of the leading trade centers of the world and destination of millions of visitors annually.
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