The Complete History of Belgium Through the Ages

Belgium’s history goes way back. Neolithic flint mines in Spiennes date to 4300-2200 BC. This small European nation has been key in world history, earning it the nickname “the battlefield of Europe.”

Despite a rough past, Belgium’s mix of cultures, languages, and traditions has made it strong. This strength continues to draw people from all over.

Key Takeaways

• Belgium’s history spans from prehistoric times to the modern day, encompassing periods of Roman rule, Frankish dominion, Burgundian prosperity, and independence.
• The country’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe has led to it being called the “battlefield of Europe.”
• Belgium’s modern shape can be traced back to the medieval Burgundian Netherlands, with its official independence established in 1830.
• The nation has played a significant role in European history, including involvement in both World Wars and becoming a founding member of the European Union.
• Belgium’s diverse cultural and linguistic heritage has forged a resilient national identity that continues to shape its politics and society.

Ancient Origins and Early Settlements

The land now known as Belgium has a long history. Prehistoric Belgium saw the first humans, Neanderthals, around 100,000 BC. This shows humans lived there for a very long time.

By 5000 BC, Neolithic Belgium started. People from the east brought farming. Places like Spiennes were important for making tools from flint.

The Bronze Age began around 1750 BC. More people came, and new cultures arrived. The Urnfield, Hallstatt, and La Tène cultures were part of this era.

Era	Key Developments
Prehistoric Belgium	Neanderthal fossils dating back to 100,000 BC
Neolithic Belgium	Arrival of Neolithic farming technology, Spiennes flint mines
Bronze Age Belgium	Increased population, arrival of Urnfield, Hallstatt, and La Tène cultures

These early times set the stage for Belgium’s future. They shaped the history of the region.

Celtic and Roman Influence in Belgium

Julius Caesar came to the area in 57 BC. He found the Belgae, a strong Celtic tribe in what is now Belgium. The Romans then took over, making Gallia Belgica a province.

The Belgae Tribes and Their Territory

The Belgae were a group of Celtic tribes. They were known for being fierce warriors. They lived in what is now Belgium, northern France, and the southern Netherlands.

Roman Conquest and Administration

The Romans ruled Gallia Belgica from 51 BC to about 500 AD. They brought their systems, roads, and culture. This mix of cultures made the area special.

Cultural Integration and Development

The Romans changed the area of Gallia Belgica a lot. People started to use Roman ways, speak their language, and build like them. It became a key place for trade in the Roman Empire.

“The Belgae were a formidable people, known for their fierce warrior tradition and significant role in the early history of the region that would become Belgium.”

Medieval Belgium: From Franks to Feudal States

After the Roman Empire fell, the area now known as Belgium was ruled by the Franks. They were a Germanic people who took over during the Merovingian (481-751) and Carolingian (751-987) dynasties. In 980 CE, the Prince-Bishopric of Liège was founded. It became a key religious and political center in the medieval low countries.

The Middle Ages saw the region break into many feudal states. Each had its own politics and culture. The County of Flanders, the Duchy of Brabant, and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège were the most well-known. These states fought, made alliances, and influenced each other, shaping medieval Belgium.

The Frankish rule helped create these feudal states. The Franks gave power to local lords and nobles. This led to a diverse and lively culture in the medieval low countries.

The feudal belgium of the Middle Ages was full of change and complexity. It set the stage for the modern Belgian state. The mix of Frankish rule, feudal states, and cultural and political growth in the medieval low countries was key to Belgium’s history.

The Burgundian Period and Golden Age

The Burgundian period was from 1363 to 1477. It was a time of great power and wealth in the Burgundian Netherlands. The area became a big economic center, thanks to cities like Ghent and Bruges.

This time also saw a big cultural renaissance. The Flemish Primitive painters were at the heart of this. They made the arts shine.

Antwerp became a key trading spot during this time. It was known as the “richest in Europe” by the 16th century. The city traded goods like spices, wines, and metals.

Economic Prosperity and Trade

The Burgundian Netherlands was very wealthy. This was thanks to more trade and industry. Charles V, who ruled many lands, helped make the area even stronger.

He made laws to help local businesses grow. This made the Burgundian Netherlands’ even more powerful.

Cultural Renaissance and Arts

The Burgundian period was also a time of great art. Artists like Pieter Brueghel the Elder and Hieronymus Bosch were famous. They mixed Italian styles with their own.

Court painters like Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden also made a big impact. They worked for Philip the Good and Charles the Bold. Their work made Flemish art even better.

Political Developments

The Burgundian period saw big changes in politics. Charles V’s decision to step down in the mid-16th century split the House of Habsburg. This led to the Burgundian Netherlands losing its unity.

But, the area’s culture and wealth kept shaping Europe. This legacy is still felt today.

“The Burgundian court was the most magnificent in Europe, a beacon of culture and art that attracted the finest minds and talents of the time.”

Spanish and Austrian Rule

After the Burgundian era, Belgium was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. In 1556, the Spanish Habsburgs took over, calling it the Spanish Netherlands. This time was filled with religious fights and the Eighty Years’ War.

This war caused the Dutch Republic and the Southern Netherlands to split. Yet, Belgium kept some freedom. It kept its old ways and traditions.

In 1713, the Austrian Habsburgs took over with the Treaty of Utrecht. Empress Maria Theresa’s rule in the 1700s brought economic growth. This growth was especially true in rural areas.

The 1700s also saw the start of the Industrial Revolution. Textiles and coal/metal industries grew in Ghent, Verviers, Hainaut, and Liège.

“By 1914, Belgium was recognized as one of the most densely industrialized countries in Europe, with notable coal mining and manufacturing industries, highlighting the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the country’s economy over the 19th century.”

But, there were problems with the Dutch rulers in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This led to the Belgian Revolution in 1830. It was the start of the modern Belgian state.

The History of Belgium Through Religious Conflicts

Belgium’s history is filled with religious battles. These battles were part of the big conflicts in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Protestant Reformation changed the area, causing more fights and problems.

Protestant Reformation Impact

In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation started in the area. About 300,000 Protestants were in Belgium, which was about 20% of the people. This made the Catholic Church worried, starting a long fight between the two groups.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church wanted to take back the Protestant areas. They got help from the Spanish rulers in the Southern Netherlands. This fight ended with the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648). It split the area into the Protestant Dutch Republic and the Catholic Southern Netherlands, making today’s Belgium.

Religious Wars and Their Aftermath

In the 17th century, Belgium was fought over by big powers. Louis XIV’s armies took land from the Spanish Low Countries. The fight between Protestants and Catholics kept going, making the Protestant numbers drop to 145,000 by the early 19th century.

Now, Belgium has a mix of religions. The Catholic Church is still big, but Protestants and Muslims are growing. The country values freedom of religion and keeps church and state separate.

Period	Protestant Population	Total Population	Percentage of Protestants
16th century	300,000	1,500,000	20%
Early 19th century	145,000	4,000,000	3.6%
20th century	145,000	10,500,000	1.4%
2022	270,000	11,800,000	2.3%

The fights over religion have shaped Belgium’s identity and society. Today, Belgium is learning to live with its diverse religions. The lessons from its past remind us of the need for tolerance and understanding.

“The religious conflicts that shaped Belgium’s past have had a lasting impact on the country’s identity and social fabric.”

Birth of Modern Belgium: The Belgian Revolution

The Belgian Revolution of 1830 was a big moment in Belgium’s history. It led to the country’s freedom from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. On September 27, 1830, a group in Brussels said Belgium was free. This was made official by the Treaty of London in 1839.

The revolution started with a show of Daniel Auber’s opera La Muette de Portici in Brussels on August 25, 1830. The opera’s themes of patriotism made people unhappy with Dutch rule. This led to riots and fights against the Dutch.

King William I of the Netherlands tried to talk to the people of Brussels. But the uprising grew fast. Even with 60,000 Belgian rebels and 70,000 French forces helping, the Dutch army lost many soldiers.

After 10 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days of fighting, the Belgian Revolution won. Leopold I of Saxe-Coburg became the first King of the Kingdom of Belgium in 1831. He started a constitutional monarchy that still exists today.

The Belgian Revolution was the start of modern Belgian identity and government. It helped Belgium grow into a rich and important part of Europe.

Belgium in World War I: The Great War Era

Belgium was right in the middle of World War I, even though it wanted to stay out. In 1914, Germany broke Belgium’s rules and came in. This led to the “Rape of Belgium,” a very bad time for the people living there.

German Invasion and Occupation

The Belgian army, led by King Albert I, fought hard against Germany. Over 95% of Belgium was eventually occupied by German troops. This made things very hard for the country.

Between August and November 1914, Germany killed between 5,500 and 6,500 French and Belgian civilians. There were 101 big times when civilians were killed.

Belgian Resistance and Allied Support

The Belgian people kept fighting all through the war. 18,500 men volunteered for the Belgian army when the war started. But, Germany took 30,000 Belgian soldiers as prisoners of war.

Many Belgians had to leave their homes, and some died trying to get away. A deadly electric fence, called the Wire of Death, was set up along the Belgian-Dutch border. But, Belgium stayed strong, thanks to leaders like Cardinal Mercier.

Post-War Recovery

The war left Belgium very damaged and many people dead. But, help came from the Commission for Relief in Belgium, led by Herbert Hoover. After the war, Belgium worked on the Treaty of Versailles to help rebuild.

World War II and Its Aftermath

Belgium’s neutrality was broken in 1940 by German forces. The Nazi occupation was very hard for the Belgian people. Despite being small, Belgians showed great strength, with many fighting against the Germans.

King Leopold III’s actions during the war caused a big problem in 1950. Many Belgians doubted his leadership. After the war, Belgium worked hard to get back on its feet. It joined NATO in 1949 and helped start the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951.

The war damaged Belgium a lot, about 8% of its wealth. In 1950, 58% of voters wanted King Leopold III back. This showed the tough times after the war.

Belgium joined the European customs union in 1958. This helped its products sell more. But, Wallonia didn’t get better, leading to less investment. The United States, European Community, and Japan helped the Flemish side a lot.

Statistic	Value
Estimated war damage in Belgium during World War II	8% of national wealth
Approval rate in 1950 referendum for the return of King Leopold III	Nearly 58%
Unemployment rate in Belgium in 1932 after the Great Depression	23.5%
Unemployment rate in Belgium by 1937 under the Plan de Man	Around 15%
Percentage of the national vote gained by the Rexist party in the 1936 elections	11.6%
Belgian military size in 1940 compared to British and Dutch forces	Nearly four times larger than the British Expeditionary Force and twice as large as the Dutch army
Number of battle tanks possessed by the Belgian army in May 1940	16
Belgian casualties during the Battle of Belgium in 1940	Around 6,000 killed and 15,850 wounded
Percentage of national income Belgium was forced to pay to cover military occupation costs during the German occupation	Nearly two-thirds, totaling 5.7 billion Reichsmarks

The World War II aftermath was tough for Belgium. It needed to recover and deal with the nazi occupation issues. But, Belgium’s strength and will to rebuild helped it grow and join the European community.

Formation of Modern Belgian Identity

The Dutch-speaking Flemish and French-speaking Walloon communities have shaped Belgium. This division has led to state reforms since the 1970s. Now, Belgium is a federal state with three regions and three official languages.

Linguistic and Cultural Division

The Flemish-Walloon divide causes tension in Belgium. Flemish people in the north want more autonomy. Walloons in the south want to keep Belgium united and French-speaking.

Federal State Structure

Belgium is now a decentralized federal state. It has a system that balances local power with national unity. The three language communities and regions have control over education, culture, and some economic policies.

Contemporary Politics

The language communities play a big role in Belgian politics. Building coalitions and sharing power is key. This shapes the country’s politics and identity today.

Linguistic Composition of Belgium	Percentage of Population
Flemish (Dutch-speaking)	59%
Walloon (French-speaking)	40%
German-speaking	1%

“The Belgian state has been described as a ‘laboratory of federalism,’ where the ongoing quest for balance between unity and diversity has shaped its unique political structures and national identity.”

Belgium’s Role in European Integration

Belgium has led European integration since the 1950s. It was a key founder of the Benelux Union and the European Coal and Steel Community. These groups later became part of the European Union.

Brussels, Belgium’s capital, is now the EU’s unofficial capital. It hosts important EU institutions like the European Commission and Parliament. Belgium’s location and commitment make it a major EU player.

Year	Event	Belgium’s Role
1944	Benelux Union Formed	Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg create the Benelux Union, a precursor to the European Union.
1951	European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Established	Belgium is a founding member of the ECSC, the first step towards European economic integration.
1957	European Economic Community (EEC) Formed	Belgium is one of the six founding members of the EEC, which later evolved into the European Union.
1958	European Parliament Established	Belgium hosts the European Parliament’s seat in the city of Strasbourg, France.
2009	Lisbon Treaty Signed	Belgium’s capital, Brussels, becomes the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and other key EU institutions.

Belgium’s dedication to Europe has shaped its policies and economy. But, its internal divisions have caused issues. For example, the Walloon Parliament blocked a trade deal with Canada in 2016.

Despite these issues, Belgium is a key EU player. It ranks high in shaping global affairs. As the European Union grows, Belgium’s role will be crucial for Europe’s future.

Contemporary Belgium: Politics and Society

Belgium has a rich history and a diverse culture. It faces many challenges today in politics and society. The country’s complex setup, with different languages, makes forming governments hard.

In politics, Belgian politics is known for many parties. These parties focus on different community interests. The government, led by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, is a mix of parties.

Belgium’s multicultural society struggles with integrating immigrants. This leads to talks on national identity and language. It’s hard to balance different cultures and keep everyone together.

Indicator	Value (2023/2024)
Population	11,870,000
Population Density	1,001.8 persons per sq mi
Life Expectancy (Male/Female)	79.5 years / 83.8 years
Literacy Rate	100% (ages 15 and over)
Gross National Income (GNI)	$644,688,000,000
GNI per Capita	$54,530

Belgium faces economic challenges but still has a high standard of living. It’s important in the European Union. The country works hard to balance its languages and cultures in today’s world.

“Belgium is a complex, multilingual, and multicultural country that has managed to maintain a high standard of living and democratic stability, despite the occasional political turbulence.”

Conclusion

Belgium’s Belgian heritage shows its place at the heart of Europe. It has a long history, from ancient times to being part of the European Union. This mix of cultures has made Belgium’s government complex.

This complexity brings both future challenges and chances. Belgium is facing issues like finding its national identity and balancing regional powers. Yet, it’s known for its diplomacy, culture, and new ideas.

The Belgian people’s strength and ability to overcome differences are key. They will help shape Belgium’s future. Whether Belgium will celebrate 200 years in 2030 is uncertain. But its rich history and dedication to its culture give hope for a bright future.

Belgium’s journey through the modern world is complex. But its role in European integration and cultural diversity will keep shaping its global role.

FAQ

What is the history of Belgium?

Belgium’s story goes back to before history began. It was ruled by the Romans, then the Franks. Next, it was prosperous under the Burgundians, then controlled by Spain and Austria.

Finally, it became independent. Belgium played big roles in World Wars and helped start the European Union.

When did Belgium become independent?

The Belgian Revolution of 1830 made Belgium free from the Netherlands. On October 4, 1830, a new government said they were free. This was made official by the Treaty of London in 1839.

What languages are spoken in Belgium?

In Belgium, you can hear Dutch, French, and German. These languages help shape the country’s government. There are three main areas: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital.

What is Belgium known for?

Belgium is famous for its culture, art, and food. It’s also key in European politics. Brussels, its capital, is the heart of the European Union.

What is the flag of Belgium?

The Belgian flag has black, yellow, and red stripes. It’s been the country’s flag since it became independent in 1831.

What is the capital of Belgium?

Brussels is Belgium’s capital. It’s also the center of the European Union. Many EU offices are there.

What is the currency used in Belgium?

Belgium uses the euro. It joined the Eurozone in 2002.

What are some of the famous cities in Belgium?

Famous Belgian cities include Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liège. Each city has its own special culture and history.

Is Belgium part of France or Germany?

No, Belgium is its own country. It’s not part of France or Germany. It shares borders with both but is independent.