The Magnificent Three: Amsterdam, London, New York

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 center.

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 radically changes, with massive immigration and economic growth. London sees a great change with the arrival of the Underground, and the pavilion of the Universal Exhibition in 1851.

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