Antwerpen 1550-1600. Abbruch oder Verengung eines Entwicklungspfades?

Abstract

The idea of implementing path concepts in urban (historical) research is to identify persistent processes in the form of constrictions of or alternatives to dominant developments. Following the example of Antwerp between 1560 and 1600, the paper argues that the particular conceptual case of trajectories is a necessary heuristic instrument, which allows a particular structuring of the narration. In the case of Antwerp, the path emerged due to the combination of advantageous natural conditions, the expansion of commercial routes (to England), and the development of a multicultural urban society. As soon as such a path is established, further determinations ensue. Due to the scarcity of source material, the essential decisions on the level of urban politics cannot be grasped in this paper. Instead, the processes have to be reconstructed following the actual developments. In the case of Antwerp, these developments concerned substantial religious/denominational conflicts. Furthermore, the wealthy metropolis was drawn into conflicts between the Spanish-Habsburgian Monarchy and the Netherlands. A blockage of the sea routes, devastations of the city, limitations to trade with and from England, and the transition from religious tolerance to strict catholicisation did not result in a breach of the path, but in a severe contraction. Seaborne trade declined and the land route did not offer many alternatives. The prosperous and prominent book market was restricted to products complying with Catholic doctrine. Yet, arts and crafts as well as the proto-industrial sector provided some options after the breach of 1585. A complete change of path, however, did not take place. It took until the 19th century for the city to recover and until the 20th century to experience major expansions, rooted in older geographical and cultural constellations.