Abstract
This is the first of a series of two articles on the development of Amsterdam. In 1612 and 1622 decisions were made whichled to the rise of the present miner town. Around 1850 the population started growing and unplanned quarters were built Amsterdam South was built in after years. A general development plan in 1935 provided for the building of "garden cities finished after the war. The new planning has been chosen for decentralised development thus bringing about a town region Amsterdam. For the second part see A 2852.