Amsterdam - New York: Transatlantic Relations and Urban Identities Since 1653

This collection of essays deals with the political, commercial, religious, and intellectual relationship of the two leading cities on Manhattan Island during the early part of American history—Nieuw Amsterdam and New York City. It explores the interaction of merchants and ministers, books and bankers, consults and canticles, through the high and low tides of this durable urban exchange. In particular, this history shows how regional dominance shifted from Nieuw Amsterdam in the early 18th century—when it overshadowed New York City in size, prestige, wealth, and power—to New York City in the 19th century as immigration boosted New York’s population growth while Nieuw Amsterdam’s stalled.