The Complex History and Origin of Belgium

Belgium’s origins are far more intricate than many realize. In fact, its creation in 1830 as a separate country from the Netherlands was the result of a series of power struggles that had been brewing for centuries. To truly understand Belgium, we must rewind to its earliest foundations in the Roman era, when its territory was part of the expansive Roman Empire. From the 1st century B.C., the land we now call Belgium was inhabited by Celtic tribes, primarily the Belgae, who gave the region its name. However, the Roman conquest in 57 B.C. marked the beginning of external influence, setting the stage for centuries of foreign domination.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, Belgium was a battleground for powers like France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Burgundian Netherlands. It wasn’t until the 15th century that Belgium, then part of the Low Countries, began to emerge as a powerful trade center. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp became essential hubs for commerce, thanks to their strategic locations near the North Sea and their textile industries.

In the 16th century, Belgium fell under Habsburg rule after the Spanish Crown inherited the region. The Protestant Reformation further complicated Belgium’s identity, as the northern provinces embraced Calvinism, while the southern regions, what is now Belgium, remained largely Catholic. This religious divide would set the stage for centuries of political tensions between the northern and southern parts of the Low Countries.

By the time of the 18th century, Belgium, then part of the Austrian Netherlands, was a highly contested region. The Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th and early 19th centuries saw Belgium briefly absorbed into France, before being handed over to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815 following Napoleon’s defeat. However, the union between Belgium and the Netherlands was uneasy at best.

Belgium’s struggle for independence reached its climax in 1830, fueled by cultural and religious differences with the Dutch. The Dutch monarchy, which was predominantly Protestant, imposed harsh economic and religious policies on the predominantly Catholic Belgians. This led to the Belgian Revolution, a short but intense conflict, culminating in Belgium’s declaration of independence. Europe’s major powers quickly recognized Belgium’s sovereignty, and the country was established as a constitutional monarchy under King Leopold I, the first King of the Belgians.

The aftermath of independence brought new challenges. Belgium’s strategic location made it a central stage for wars, particularly during both World Wars. During World War I, Belgium’s neutrality was violated when German forces invaded in 1914, turning the country into a battlefield. In World War II, Belgium was once again occupied by Germany. These invasions left scars on the national psyche, but they also forged a strong sense of national identity.

Belgium’s modern identity is deeply intertwined with its linguistic and cultural diversity. The country is divided into three main regions: Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and Brussels, which is bilingual but largely French-speaking. These linguistic divisions have frequently sparked political debates, often leading to calls for greater regional autonomy or even complete separation. Yet, despite these tensions, Belgium has managed to maintain a delicate balance of power and remains one of the most prosperous and politically stable countries in Europe.

Looking at Belgium’s long history of occupation, religious divides, and eventual unification, it is fascinating to see how a country with such a complex past continues to thrive in the modern era. Belgium’s role as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO speaks to its strategic importance, not just in Europe but globally. While its past is marked by external dominance and internal strife, Belgium today stands as a symbol of cooperation, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity.