Editing Antwerp (section)

== History ==
Antwerp grew around the Scheldt. The river made the settlement useful for merchants because cargo could move between inland markets and sea routes.

By the thirteenth century, Antwerp had become an important trading city. Its river access helped the city grow in the Low Countries.

In the sixteenth century, Antwerp became one of the main commercial cities in Europe. Trade through the city brought wealth and made Antwerp a major centre for shipping and finance.

The Fall of Antwerp in 1585 weakened the city. Access to the Scheldt became restricted for a long period. This damaged Antwerp's sea trade and reduced its position compared with other cities in the region.

After Belgian independence in 1830, Antwerp again became central to Belgian economic growth. The port expanded and the city became more industrial. New rail and road links made Antwerp more useful to the Belgian state.

During the Second World War, Antwerp was important because of its port. Allied forces captured the city in 1944. The port could not be fully used until the Scheldt estuary was cleared. After that, Antwerp became important for moving supplies into western Europe.