History of Hamburg

During the Stone Age it is presumed a nomad settlement of hunters and plants collectors in Elba's primitive valley. Since 4th century before Christ it is assumed northalbing saxon settlements in the north riverside of Elba, with an increasing afluency until the 6th century. In the year 810 after Christ the whole are was conquered by Karl The Great. He allowed to build up a baptizing church in order to complete the christianisation of the pagan north. To protect the church and the habitants, Hammaburg was constructed on the Hamm village's ruins.

In the 10th century the very first cornerstone was laid, with the newly approved right to commercial trade, for the later and important hanseatic trade in the city of Hamburg. Thanks to the increasing integration of the cities close to the Baltic sea, and the trade privileges conquered in the 12th and 13th centuries, Hamburg becomes completly a hanseatic city. In this way it was possible to transform Hamburg, exemplarily, in a city of economic, and also social, well-being. Properties and villages were obtained at Alster and Elba's riverside.

With the rising of continental powers in the XVth century, the center of the european power goes from the atlantic coast to the continent. Hamburg losts political independence until the second half of the XVIIIth century. Only after Napoleon's occupation between 1806-1814 it achieves its independence and souveranity, ratified by the Congress of Wien, and transforming the city in a city-state inside the german federation. The end of the american war in 1783 means for Hamburg a new period of economic growth, thus from that very moment, wares as tobacco, rice and cotton arrive in the city directly from America, and not through the colonial british power.

From 1819 the city changes its name and its renamed as Free and hanseatic city of Hamburg. In this very century the population get political and lots of associations with democratic tendencies are founded. In 1860 a reformed constitution is enforced, which is approved by 40% of the wealthy citizens. From the council arises the Senate and the separation of powers allows the division among State, Church and freedom of press.

From the beginning of the 18th century the number of habitants in Hamburg multiplies by more than two, from 130000 to 300000, what at the same time brings big social problems. Hospitals, the savings bank of Hamburg and hospices are founded. The public transport got much bigger. From then and until the First World War the number of habitants increases up to one million. The economy grows really fast although lots of hamburgers live still in poverty. The traffic of commodities got higher, inside and around the harbour, and the warehouse city, both in the port area. In 1919 the first free democratic elections take place, and the SPD reaches 50.50% of the votes. The university and high schools are founded.

In 1933 a change of power takes place with the takeover of the NSDAP. Due to many bombardments from american and british troops in year 1943 died between 40.000-50.000 humans, many other were wounded or homeless through destruction of 30% of resident buildings.
At the end of war Hamburg was occupied by british troops. In 1946 took place first free elections, and the SPD won again. There was a boom in all directions. Many found a job, NDR, “die Zeit” and “der Spiegel” founded their headquarters here. Lots of new regulations for the city are carried out. And the harbour got the first place in commodity traffic throughout Germany. Hamburg became one of the most important commercial cities in Europe, which it is still today.