The Jordaan Insurrection of 1934 refers to a period of violent unrest in one of Amsterdam’s oldest neighbourhoods during the economic crisis of the 1930s.
This topic is relevant for visitors interested in understanding how social history has shaped the Jordaan’s streets and public spaces.
The events remain part of Amsterdam’s officially recognised historical narrative and are still visible through memorials in the district.
Table of Contents
What was the Jordaan Insurrection of 1934?
The Jordaan Insurrection was a series of riots and confrontations between residents, police, and the military in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district.
It took place between 4 and 9 July 1934, during a period of severe economic pressure in the Netherlands following the global depression.
Why did unrest break out in the Jordaan?
The unrest was triggered by government reductions in unemployment benefits that directly affected low-income households.
In the early 1930s, national austerity measures reduced welfare payments, which were a primary source of income for many Jordaan residents in 1934, according to Dutch government policy at the time.
The protests were rooted in economic hardship rather than a single isolated incident.
What role did the NSB play in the protests?
Demonstrations were organised at the offices of the Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging (NSB).
The protests combined opposition to unemployment benefit cuts with resistance to the NSB, a fascist political party that was widely opposed in working-class areas of Amsterdam in 1934.
The NSB did not represent the Dutch government. National authority at the time rested with a conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Hendrik Colijn.
How did violence escalate in the Jordaan?
Violence escalated in early July 1934, with the most intense confrontations occurring during the first days of unrest.
Stones were thrown at officers, and police units responded with gunfire, leading to widespread disorder across the neighbourhood.
From 4 July 1934, residents erected street barricades to limit police access, and clashes continued intermittently until order was restored on 9 July 1934.
How did the Dutch government respond?
The Dutch government responded by deploying military forces to Amsterdam.
Prime Minister Hendrik Colijn travelled from The Hague to assess the situation, and army units were deployed to suppress the unrest in July 1934.
Based on the most recent historical guidance, this marked one of the rare occasions on which the Dutch military was used domestically during the interwar period.
How many people were killed or injured?
The official police report published in November 1934 recorded five civilian deaths, although some later historical sources list six fatalities.
The same report confirmed 56 people were seriously injured, including eight police officers and one military police member, and approximately 100 arrests were made.
Why is it specifically called the Jordaan Insurrection?
The term “Jordaan Insurrection” is used because unrest in this district was more severe than elsewhere in Amsterdam.
While protests occurred in other neighbourhoods, no other area experienced the same level of damage, casualties, and prolonged resistance during July 1934.
What happened after the unrest ended?
After the order was restored, city authorities repaired damaged streets and bridges.
Some contemporary accounts refer to the creation of a carbine brigade, described as a mobile emergency unit, although documentation on its structure and duration remains limited.
Authorities also increased surveillance, house searches, and arrests aimed at communist and left-wing groups in the months following 1934.
How is the Jordaan Insurrection remembered today?
The Jordaan Insurrection is commemorated by a public monument near Noorderkerk.
On 3 June 1987, the sculpture Unity Is the Strongest Chain was unveiled at the church entrance to honour those who lost their lives during the unrest.
The monument was created by Amsterdam-based artist Sofie Hupkens and serves as a permanent marker linking the events of 1934 to the present-day neighbourhood.
The Jordaan Insurrection is formally listed as Window 39 in the Canon of Amsterdam, the city’s official historical framework used in education and public history.
What can visitors see related to the insurrection today?
Several locations connected to the events remain part of the Jordaan’s street layout.
Visitors can still identify key streets, public squares, and the Noorderkerk area that featured prominently during the 1934 unrest.
For those exploring the neighbourhood on foot, these sites are typically encountered alongside residential streets, canals, and historic buildings that define the Jordaan today.
FAQs
Q. Did the Jordaan Insurrection last one day?
No. The unrest lasted from 4 to 9 July 1934, spanning nearly five days.
Q. Was the NSB part of the Dutch government?
No. The NSB was a political party and did not hold government power in 1934.
Q. Is there a memorial that visitors can see today?
Yes. The Unity Is the Strongest Chain monument is located at Noorderkerk and was unveiled in 1987.
Q. Are the events included in the official history of Amsterdam?
Yes. The insurrection is included as Window 39 in the Canon of Amsterdam.
Summary for Visitors
This guide is intended for visitors seeking historical context as they explore the Jordaan.
The insurrection explains why this neighbourhood occupies a significant place in Amsterdam’s social history.
A practical takeaway for trip planning is that many sites associated with the 1934 unrest remain accessible on foot and can be incorporated into a self-guided walk through the district.
Explore the Jordaan Today
The streets where the Jordaan Insurrection unfolded remain integral to daily life in Amsterdam.
Many of the sites associated with the 1934 unrest can be encountered while walking through the neighbourhood today, alongside churches, canals, courtyards, and long-established cafés.
For readers interested in understanding how the Jordaan has evolved since the 1930s and how its layered history remains visible in the urban fabric, see our detailed Jordaan Walking Guide.
The guide provides practical routes and historical context to help situate events such as the Jordaan Insurrection within the district’s broader history.