History until 1900

Due to the Eighty Years’ War, trade dwindled and the economic growth of Nijmegen came to an end. Nijmegen played a major part in the war between France and the Dutch Republic (1672-1676), in which many countries became involved. In 1676, some thirty European states and cities took part in the peace negotiations in Nijmegen. In 1678-79, this resulted in the Treaty of Nijmegen. A number of magnificent tapestries from this period can still be admired in the town hall.

Fortified city
Because of its strategic location, Nijmegen became an important fortified city. The fortifications protected the city, but also prevented it from growing. Outside the city walls, building was prohibited, as this would limit the field of fire for the soldiers in the towers and on the ramparts. Consequently, there was literally no room for the emerging industry. The number of inhabitants kept growing and gradually Nijmegen became a run-down city.

Expansion
In 1874, the State gave Nijmegen permission to cancel its fortified-city status and Nijmegen was finally freed from its straitjacket. The demolition of the ramparts began around 1880 and in the years that followed Nijmegen expanded rapidly. The main artery Canisiussingel-Oranjesingel-Keizer Karelplein dates from this period. However, by then it was already too late for serious industrialisation. In the next ten to twenty years, Nijmegen developed into an attractive residential city. The wide avenues and grand houses of St. Annastraat, Van Schaeck Mathonsingel and Oranjesingel still reflect the beauty and grandeur of the nineteenth century.