History of Hamburg

Hamburg’s long history as a busy port town has its roots in its important connections with other Baltic Sea and North Sea trade ports. Hamburg’s port still forms the backbone of the city's commerce, even if its harbour has slowly been sinking into decline. Called the ‘Free and Hanseatic City’ of Hamburg, except by Napoleon, Hamburg has never bent to foreign rule. Commerce has always been the city’s economical basis. Even nowadays, there are more millionaires in Hamburg than in any other city in Germany.

Origins

Hamburg’s history can be traced back to the 19th century, with the construction of a fortress surrounded by a moat called ‘Hammaburg’. Settlements sprang up around the area; however, it wasn’t until the 12th century that Hamburg began its rise towards becoming one of Europe’s premier port towns. In 1189, Hamburg officials were granted free trade and exemptions from customs. As a result, commerce exploded and a new Hamburg was built.

Even though the exact origin of the hamburger is unknown, many speculate that 19th century German emigrants brought the hamburger to America.

Turbulent times

Throughout history, Hamburg has gone through much devastation. In addition to major damage caused by the fire of 1846, Hamburg was left in shambles after WWI and WWII. Because of its key location in northern Germany, Hamburg was an important target for invading armies. During WWII, much of Hamburg’s port and lodgings were destroyed in addition to thousands of civilian casualties. More than 8,000 Jews were murdered in concentration camps alone.

Throughout history, Hamburg has shown much resilience and bounced back time after time. Several significant historical events have etched themselves into the memory of the inhabitants of Hamburg. The occupation by Napoleon's troops from 1806 to 1814 brought Hamburg democratic reforms, but on the other hand, great economic and social hardship. Twenty-eight years later, the Great Fire of 1842, in which one-third of the city was ruined, led to the rebuilding of Hamburg as a modern city.

Further devastation

Few other cities in the world were as brutally affected by WWII German bombing as were the citizens of Hamburg. Large parts of Hamburg were destroyed and tens of thousands died. The Great Flood of 1962, which submerged large parts of Northern Germany and Hamburg, also played a role in the city’s development.

Today, Hamburg is one of Germany’s media capitals, covering publishing, advertising, film, TV and music.