At the end of the 16th century, merchants from Amsterdam embark on a perilous journey to Asia in order to search for spices; Amsterdam is enriched and creates the bases of liberal capitalism, while London is a developing trading centre.

In 1664, the English seize New Amsterdam and rename it New York; two years later, London is devastated by a fire, and the city takes the opportunity to modernise.

In the 19th century, the face of Manhattan changes radically with massive immigration and economic growth. The arrival of the Underground and the pavilion of the Universal Exhibition impact 1851 London.

After 1900, London and New York compete in urban excess as the American metropolis sees the birth of many tall, steel buildings; New York City invent a new horizon with her skyscrapers, including the 1913 Woolworth Building.