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Declaration of independence from Netherlands.
Since 1815, Belgium and the Low Countries of the North (Netherlands) were a state and governed by William I. Even though the policy was favorable to the Belgians, many Catholics and liberals of the time were unhappy and united against the government. -
World War I
World War I greatly affected Belgium. It was a country that had a rather small army, commanded by King Albert I. It initially tried to remain neutral, but failed to escape the war. The Germans wanted to reach France and crossed through Belgium and Luxembourg via the river Yser. This region was devastated by the enemy army (belgium.be). -
World War II
After Adolph Hitler took power in Germany, fears of another war aroused. Again Belgium decided to stay neutral, just like in World War I, but this time Germany invaded Belgium on May 10, 1940, causing the Belgian government to flee the country and go to France. -
1950 Political Crisis
In 1950, there was a polarization in Belgium between Flemish and Walloon. The main cause of this national division was the reference made about the return of King Leopold III to the country. “ -
1970-2001 State reforms
During the years 1970,1980,1988, 1989, 1993 and 2001, Belgium underwent five state reforms that led to an evolution in the federal structure of the country, becoming more efficient. “As a result, the first Article of the Belgian constitution reads today: 'Belgium is a federal state, composed of communities and regions'” (belgium.be).