Due to the German bombing that took place in 1940 the city of Rotterdam was in ruins and the city center was flattened. All people were living in shelters while the architects were planning a new city. Very different from the Dutch cities, Rotterdam was chosen to be built in a modern architecture instead of rebuilding it in the old style. Earlier the streets were wide and the buildings were very tall, which was later changed and rebuilt to canals and narrow alleys. The first car-free zone in Europe was the Lijnbaan shopping street and by the end of 1960 Rotterdam city became a symbol of progress with the new rise.
The war led to much damage to the harbor, but Rotterdam was rebuilt very quickly. By the 1960s, new docks and oil refineries were built, due to which the port was known as the busiest by the end of the 1980s. Ships brought international goods to the city, making the city rich again. After this the Euromast tower was also built in the 1960s to make Rotterdam more confident and powerful than before. For working in the port Migrants came from places like Morocco, Turkey and Suriname. Moreover, today Rotterdam is known for being the largest and the most important shipping hub in Europe.
The History of Rotterdam After WWII
Once Rotterdam was rebuilt, today it is known worldwide for its strong and bold architecture. The Erasmus bridges and cube houses in the city became the most famous landmarks. Many professional artists and architects walked in, creating vibrant and creative scenes. Recently the Rottedam film festival brought the city to the main highlights in recent times on an international level. To make the city more livable, the government also built a roof park with the name Dakpark. Even after the war the city became a space for energy and new ideas and now it has become the city that always looks forward and never backwards.
Rotterdam History After World War II
| Topic | Changes in Rotterdam after world war II |
| Destruction caused | Due to German Bombing |
| Post housing options | Temporary shelters |
| City | Rotterdam |
| New design | Modern architecture |
| Port recovery | 1960’s |
| World’s busiest port | Rotterdam’s port |
| Immigrant workers | People from turkey, Morocco, etc. |
| Cultural growth | Artists and designers moved in |
| Green space | Dakpark |
| Category | News |
What Major Changes Were Seen In Rotterdam After World War II?
- Traditional buildings were replaced with new and modern architecture like high-rises and cube houses.
- Europe’s largest port was discovered in the 1960s in Rotterdam, after which the harbor expanded massively.
- More car-free zones were introduced in the city and the Lijbaan shopping area became famous amongst tourists.
- The multicultural identity of Rotterdam was with the help of migrants who came from Turkey, Morocco and other places.
- Structures like the Euromast and the Erasmus bridge symbolized progress and modernity.
- Blending nature into the rebuilt city, urban gardens and rooftop parks were built like the dakpark.
Consequences Of World War II On Rotterdam
- The city center was bombed flat and many buildings downtown were destroyed.
- Instead of the old dutch style, new designs were used to build a modern city.
- The port grew really big and became the busiest harbor in Europe.
- During the war, more than 80,000 people in Rotterdam lost their homes and took temporary shelters.
- Rotterdam was changed to a trade city and mainly focuses on business and shipping.
- It is known for its beautiful architecture and different cultures.
FAQs On The History of Rotterdam After WWII
- How many people lost their homes during World war II damage to Rotterdam?
- As per the numbers, around 80,000 people were shifted to temporary shelters due to houses destroyed in the world war.
- What is the current architecture of Rotterdam after World War II?
- The current architecture of Rotterdam after world war II is a modern city design with new cube-like houses and cultural buildings.
- What is the special green place of Rotterdam?
- The special green place of Rotterdam is the Dakpark.
