The circumstances that led to the
outbreak of the Belgian Revolution of 1830 can be categorized into
political, economic, social -cultural and religious factors:
POLITICAL FACTORS
1. The unrealistic Vienna Settlement/Nationalism
The
Vienna Settlement of 1815 was primarily responsible for the outbreak of
the Belgian revolution. The settlement forced Belgium to combine with
Holland to form the kingdom of Netherlands as a bull – work against
further French aggression. The Dutch were made to dominate the
government because the peacemakers were suspicious that Belgium was an
ally of Napoleon. This forceful union was unworkable because of
historical, social, cultural, linguistic and economic differences
between the Belgians and their Dutch masters. It was protested by
Belgian liberals and nationalists, which explains why they mobilized the
Belgians to revolt by 1830. To this extent one can argue that the
Belgian revolt was a nationalistic protest aimed at restoring the lost
glory and independence of the Belgians. •
2. Unfair parliamentary system
Unfair parliamentary representation was an issue that was responsible for the outbreak of the revolution.
The
Belgians who were 3.5 million were made to have equal representatives
with the Dutch who were only 2 million. This was undemocratic and unfair
to the Belgians who deserved more seats in the parliament on account of
their population. The Parliament itself met in Hague (Holland) than
Brussels (Belgian). Worst of all the Belgian MPs were government
officials who could not oppose King William's unfair policies against
the Dutch. This made the parliament to pass and sustain anti- Belgian
policies, which made the Belgians to resort to a revolution as the only
solution to their grievances.
It should be noted
that unfair parliamentary system is the reason why the Netherlands
constitution favoured the Dutch at the expense of the Belgians. The
Belgians enjoyed lesser rights and had more duties towards the state
than their Dutch counterparts (according to the constitution). For
instance, the Belgians were unfairly treated at the courts of law
compared to the Dutch.
3.Domination of Administrative positions
The
monopolization of public offices by the Dutch was a source of concern
that made the Belgians to revolt. King William, the president of the
Kingdom was himself a Dutch, At one time 6 out of 7 cabinet ministers
were Dutch, 30 out of 39 ambassadors were Dutch, 1,800 out of 2,000 army
officers were Dutch and all the 9 Generals were Dutch. This political
marginalization and prejudice against the Belgians made the Belgians to
revolt in a bid-to set up an independent state and manage their own
affairs.
4. Press censorship
Press
censorship was another cause of the Belgian revolution of 1830. The
Belgian newspapers, articles, journals etc were severely censored while
those of the Dutch were being published without any restriction.
It
was feared that the Belgians would use their press to criticize the
Dutch discriminative policies against the Belgians. This irritated
Belgian Liberals, journalists, writers and editors who spearheaded the
revolution in 1830.
5. The influence of French Revolutionary Ideas and the support of the French men
The
spread of French revolutionary ideas of equality, liberty, fraternity
and nationalism also contributed to the outbreak of the Belgian revolt.
These ideas made the Belgians whose problems were to some extent similar
to those of the Frenchmen (before 1789) to rebel against their Dutch
oppressors. Moreover, the Frenchmen supported the Belgians to regain
their independence, which would-weaken the barrier created to the N.E.
and provide opportunity for annexing Belgium to France. This is why
Tailyrand, other French radicals and Louis Philippe gave indirect
assistance to the Belgians. All these encouraged the Belgians to start
the revolution with hopes of foreign assistance from France.
6. The success of the French Revolution of18S0 and influence of external Events
The
success of the French Revolution of 1830 against the Bourbon monarchy
under the leadership of Charles x inspired the Belgians to revolt.
Although the Belgians were opposed to Dutch domination, they could not
rise up against the Dutch. This was due to the fear of Troppau protocol
through which Austria, Russia and Prussia had vowed to suppress
revolutions throughout Europe and maintain the Vienna settlement.
However, when the French revolted successfully in 1830 and there was no
intervention from neither the Vienna powers nor the Troppau powers, the
Belgians were moral boosted to demonstrate against Dutch domination at
opera house which climaxed into the revolution. This is because the
French success was a practical example of how the Vienna settlement had
out lived it usefulness and exposed it s vulnerability.
On the other hand, the Belgians were moral boosted by other external events in the Austrian Empire and
America.
In these areas oppressed nationalities like Italians, Germans and
Brazilians were violently struggling to regain their freedom and
independence. This encouraged the oppressed Belgians to wage a similar
struggle, which led to the revolt.
7. The Downfall of the congress system.
The
collapse of the congress system by 1830 also inspired the Belgians into
the revolution. It should be noted that the congress system was to
maintain the Vienna settlement, which had forced the amalgamation of
Belgium with Holland. The Belgians were thus threatened by the congress
powers who were bound to intervene to crush any movement against the
Vienna settlement. However, the congress system collapsed by 1830 and
there was no spirit of togetherness in defending the settlement. The
Belgians used this as a, golden opportunity to revolt and regain their
freedom and independence.
8. The Role of Polignao
The
rise and role of Belgian revolutionary leader Polignao was influential
in the outbreak of the revolution. Polignao condemned the
discriminative, exploitative and oppressive policies of the Dutch
against the Belgians, which inspired the Belgians with revolutionary
emotions. Polginao's role in criticizing Dutch administration, planning
for the revolt and mobilizing support from foreign agitators most
especially the French, made the outbreak of the revolt inevitable.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
9. Free trade policy / laissez fare Economy
The
Belgians were disappointed by Leopold's economic policy, which favoured
the Dutch economy at the expense of their economy. Belgium was an
industrialized state and Holland was basically an agricultural and sea
faring state. The Belgians therefore wanted a protectionist policy to
safeguard their infant industries from foreign competition. The Dutch
under Leopold's leadership preferred and pursued a free trade policy,
which was intended to avail the Dutch cheap manufactured goods and food
staff. It should be stressed that this Leissez fare policy led to the
influx of superior and cheap foreign goods that out competed the Belgian
products. This was resented by Belgian middle class, businessmen and
traders who were experiencing serious losses and closed factories. It
caused inflation, unemployment, famine and starvation, which forced the
Belgians to rebel for their freedom in 1830.
10. Unfair taxation system
Unfair
taxation system also prompted the Belgian revolution of 1830. The
Belgians revolted due to heavy and unnecessary taxes that were imposed
on them. They were angered by the imposition of new taxes on flour and
meat in 1821 whose benefits they never saw. The most annoying was that
bread, which was their staple food, was over taxed and yet potatoes,
which was the Dutch staple food was never taxed. This made bread very
expensive, increased the cost of living, reduced the standard of living
and disposable income of the Belgians in favour of the Dutch. It was
these deplorable conditions due to indiscriminate tax policy that made
the Belgians to rebel against their Dutch oppressors and exploiters.
11. Payment of National Debt
The
Belgians were irritated by an arrangement, which subjected them to pay
half of the total debt of the kingdom, some of which were incurred
before the union. This was unfortunate because Holland had a heavier
debt burden than Belgium. The imposition of a uniform tax to meet this
debt burden was resisted by the Belgians. They considered foreign
domination as a root cause to unfair exploitative policies and revolted
in 1830.
SOCIAL - CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS FACTORS
12. Language Difference
King
William's introduction of Dutch as a national and official language in
1822 also caused the revolution. This was against the Belgians who
wanted French (which they spoke) to be used as an alternative language.
It should be emphasized that employment in public offices and official
communications were to be in Dutch. This frustrated the Belgians who
regarded this as an abuse and caused the 1830 revolution.
13. Religious Differences
Religious
difference between the Belgians and the Dutch was a long-term factor
that contributed to the revolt. The Belgians were Catholics while the
Dutch were Protestants. But because the leadership of the kingdom was
dominated by the Dutch, Protestant religion was made the state religion.
Protestants were favoured in appointments, recruitment and promotion in
public offices against Catholics. This forced the Belgian Catholic
religious leaders to criticize the union government and influence the
outbreak of the revolution. The fact that the revolution was started
when conservative Belgian Catholics allied with the liberals is a clear
testimony that religion was one cause of the rebellion.
14. Education control
Conflict
between the Dutch and Belgians over control of Education also
precipitated the outbreak of the 1830 Belgian revolution. Before the
union, Education in Belgium was controlled by the church, which the
Belgian Catholics wanted to maintain. However, after the union, the
Dutch dictated and education was put under state control, which means
that Catholic schools were indirectly given to Protestant
administrators.
These administrators made Dutch
language to be compulsory in schools and allocated more resources for
the development of Protestant schools to the annoyance of Belgian
Catholics. All these injustices were unacceptable to the Belgian
Catholics and the clergy. It made them to think of their own state where
they would manage their schools, which made them to spear head the
revolution.
The Belgian revolution had positive
and negative impacts on the political, social and economic structures of
Belgium as well as Europe.
Positive impact
1.
The Belgians succeeded in regaining their independence. The Belgians
fought and repelled Dutch invasion several times. This made King William
to bow to pressure from Britain and France to recognize Belgian
independence by 1839. It led to the emergence of a new Belgium that was
independent on the map of Europe. On the other hand, this practically
ended Dutch exploitative, oppressive and discriminative rule over the
Belgians.
2. Belgium was declared neutral in the
London conference of 1839 by the big powers. This was because France and
Russia had hidden ambitions to dominate Belgium. Besides, the Vienna
powers were afraid of war amongst themselves over Belgium, which was
bound to cause a major war in Europe. This is why Belgium was declared
independent and neutral. This stayed in force until it was violated by
Germany in 1914, which forced Britain to declare war on Germany.
3.
Belgium was declared a constitutional monarchy with Leopold Saxe-Coburg
as it’s first King. The new constitution had 18 articles, which was non
discriminative and emphasized equality of all by nature. The
constitution established an independent constitutional monarchy with an
executive, elected parliament and an independent judiciary. This made
Belgium to be accepted and recognized within the ranks of the big powers
of Europe.
4. It promoted the development and
industrialization of Belgium. The declaration of Belgian independence
and neutrality freed her from Dutch exploitation and oppression, which
favoured economic development.
Belgium became free
to adapt a protectionist policy and safeguarded her infant industries
from foreign competition. This turned Belgium into the second most
industrialized nation in Europe before the unification of Germany.
5.
The Belgian independence was a triumph for the forces of liberalism and
nationalism over reactionary and conservative forces in Europe. The new
forces of liberalism and nationalism were ushered in by the French
revolution of 1789. From then onwards there was a struggle between the
new forces and the old forces of conservatism led by Metternich. The
success of the revolution undermined the role of conservative
aristocrats like Metternich and contributed to their downfall.
6.
The revolt promoted European diplomacy at the time when it was on the
verge of total collapse. The revolution created a crisis that
necessitated European powers to come together and settle it. It led to
the calling of the London conference of 1839, which was to find a final
settlement to the revolution in Belgium. This led to the revival of
European diplomacy and created a spirit that partly led to the calling
of the 1840 and 1841 London conferences.
7. The
success of the revolution increased British involvement and 'influence
in European and Belgian affairs. British influence in Belgian affairs
increased because Leopold Soxe - Coburg was a relative to the queen of
Britain, Britain used the revolt as an opportunity to change the balance
of power from Vienna to London. This was one of the issues that made
Britain to call the London conference and champion Belgian independence
and neutrality.
8. The Greek war of independence
was facilitated by the outbreak of the Belgium revolution. The Greek
revolt started way back in 1821 and by 1830, the Greeks were still
fighting for their freedom. However, the outbreak of the Belgian revolt
apart from creating more instabilities in Europe, diverted the attention
of European powers. This favoured the success of the Greek war of
independence by 1832.
9. The Belgian revolution
contributed to the outbreak of subsequent revolutions in Europe. It
discredited the Vienna settlement and provided a practical example of
how freedom and independence could be attained. This inspired the
outbreak of the 1830 revolutions in Poland and Italy, 1848 Revolutions
in Europe and the Russian Revolution of 1917. These revolutionary
movements took the challenge and example from the Belgian revolution of
1830. Such revolutions directly and indirectly led to political, social,
economic and religious reforms in different parts of Europe.
Negative impact
10.
There was massive loss of life and destruction of property. The Belgian
revolutionaries became rowdy and destroyed important places like opera
house. On the other hand. King William II sent Dutch forces that
frequently attacked and fought Belgian revolutionaries. These led to
loss of lives and destruction of property.
11. The
revolution had negative consequences on the growth and development of
Holland. Before the evolution, Holland exploited the Belgians and
depended on her industrial products for her prosperity, however, the
revolution terminated her exploitation and dependence on Belgian
industries, which impacted negatively on her economy. Besides, Dutch
invasions and wars on Belgium had short run effect of contributing to
economic decline.
12. The protectionist policy
adopted in the aftermath of the revolution had negative impact on
economies of Europe in the short run. It undermined international trade
between Belgium and other European powers.
Nevertheless,
in the long run Belgium industrialized and her Economy improved.
European countries benefited by buying superior quality and cheap
manufactured products from Belgium.
13. The
revolution led to antagonism amongst European powers. It created a
strong enmity between Belgium, Britain and France on one hand against
Holland, Austria, Prussia and Russia on the other hand.
This was because Britain and France supported the revolution which was opposed by Austria, Prussia and Russia.
14.
The revolt violated the Vienna settlement and led to the total collapse
of the congress system. It denounced and discredited the Vienna
settlement showing that it was unrealistic in an attempt to create a
lasting peace in Europe. This was shown in 1831 when France and Britain
who were the signatories of the settlement supported the revolution,
which was opposed by other powers. Besides, this undermined the concert
of Europe and led to the total collapse of the congress system.
15.
The revolt undermined the popularity of Louis Philippe and contributed
to his downfall by 1848. The Frenchmen wanted Louis Philippe to assist
the Belgians who had offered the throne to Louis Philippe's son.
However, Philippe declined to support the Belgians because of the fear
of reactions from the great powers. This disappointed the glory seekers,
Liberals, Catholics and Bonapartists who criticized and undermined his
government. Even when Louis Philippe allied with Britain and Belgium
against Holland in 1831, they still criticized him for being a stooge of
Palmer stone and Britain. All these created circumstances that
contributed to the downfall of Louis Philippe in 1848.
The Belgian Revolution was a
significant victory of Belgian liberalism and nationalism against Dutch
domination and conservative forces in Europe. The Belgians succeeded in
establishing an independent and neutral state that was guaranteed by the
London conference of 1839. The Belgian success was due to social,
political and economic factors within and outside Belgium.
1.
The Downfall of the congress system was a blessing in disguise that
contributed to the success of the Belgian revolution. It should be noted
that the revolution was a violation of the Vienna settlement, which was
to be defended by the congress system. However, the collapse of the
congress system by 1830 left the powers divided and destroyed the spirit
of togetherness in preserving the Vienna settlement. This is partly why
there was no intervention against the revolution, which made it to
succeed.
2. The role of France and Louis Philippe
was significant in the success of the revolution. A number of French
agitators supported the revolution with the hope of weakening the
barrier created against France and annexing Belgium to France. This made
Palmer stone who never wanted French annexation and influence in
Belgium to caution and frustrate Louis Philippe from suppressing the
revolution. It made Louis Philippe to withdraw his son's choice over
Belgian throne in favour of Leopold Saxe-Coburg. This reduced tension
between Britain and France to the advantage of Belgian revolutionaries.
Besides,
Louis Philippe's non interventionist foreign policy frustrated his
opponent's (opposition in France) attempt to annex Belgium, which
favoured quick mobilization of the Belgians against the Dutch. It should
be stressed that the French troops played a crucial role in repulsing
the Dutch invasion of 1831, which determined the success of the
revolution.
3. Britain played the most significant
role in the success of the Belgian revolution. The Whig government in
Britain was sympathetic to the Belgian cause and never wanted any
intervention, which was bound to jeopardize British commercial and
strategic interests in Belgium. This is why Palmer stone pressurized
Louis Philippe not to suppress the revolution. It indirectly explains
why Britain authorized Louis Philippe in 1831 to intervene and protect
the Belgian revolution against Dutch invasion. It should be noted that
Louis Philippe would not have done so if it was not for Palmer stone's
will and authority. It was the same Palmer stone of Britain who called
the London conference in 1839 that finally guaranteed Belgian
independence and neutrality.
4. The success of the
revolution was also due to unity and strength of Belgian nationalism. It
was a mass movement that included the middle class, traders, peasants,
clergy, intellectuals, civil servants and soldiers. There were no
collaborators or betrayers and everyone was ready to fight for freedom
and independence. This was partly why the great powers especially
Britain and France instead of suppressing the movement, helped the
Belgians to succeed in setting an independent and neutral state.
5.
Genuine grievances also account for the success of the Belgian
revolution. The Belgians were struggling against the Vienna settlement,
which had unrealistically imposed Dutch control over them. This was
worsened by Dutch exploitative rule. Even after 1830, the Dutch
displayed ruthlessness when they invaded Belgium in 1831, where they
caused unjustifiable destruction and killings of the Belgians. This
brutal act installed a lot of fear and doubts to the great powers as to
what the Dutch were prepared to do should they regain Belgium. This
partly made Britain and France to assist the Belgians in their struggle
for freedom.
6. The defeat of Dutch invasion in
1831 determined the success of the Belgian revolutionaries. King William
refused to accept the Belgian independence that was declared in 1830
and sent Dutch troops to suppress the movements, with hopes of regaining
control. However, his efforts were rendered fruitless when French
troops and the British navy allied with Belgian troops and defeated the
Dutch troops. Had Holland succeeded in this war; she would have regained
control of Belgium and the Belgian independence would have been
delayed.
7. the strength of Belgian economy was
also responsible for the success of the revolution. Belgium was an
industrialized nation with a strong economy while Holland was a poor
agricultural and sea faring nation.
Belgian's
strong economy made her able to train, arm, maintain and motivate a big
army that defeated Dutch forces and defended the revolution. It should
be noted that Belgian's strong economy is what made her to sustain the
struggle until 1839 when she was declared free and neutral.
8.
The size of Belgian population was one reason that contributed to the
success of the revolution. The Belgians were 3.5 million while the Dutch
were only 2million. This means that the Belgians were able to mobilize
more resources and men than their Dutch masters. This more resources and
men explains why the Belgians succeeded against the Dutch.
9.
The success of the Belgian revolution was also due to Belgian's
military superiority over their Dutch masters. The Belgians had a bigger
army, well motivated, better armed and more determined than the Dutch
troops. This explains why the Belgians (although assisted by French
troops and British navy in 1831) were able to repulse Dutch invasion and
remain free.
10. The declaration of Belgian as an
independent constitutional monarchy rather than a republic facilitated
the success of the revolution. This was a wise decision that made
European powers not to oppose the revolution. Otherwise, had the
revolutionaries declared a republican government, European powers would
have intervened and crushed it. This is because European powers knew
republican governments in Europe as a source of instability.
11.
The 1831 constitution excluded King William from the throne. It
embraced the principle of equality and was all inclusive, non partisan
and non discriminative. The constitution provided for a government with
an elected parliament, an executive and an independent judiciary.
Generally, the constitution was better than the French and similar to
those of Britain and U.S.A. This is part of the reason why Belgians and
western powers accepted and recognized the revolutionary government.
12.
The outbreak and success of previous revolutions in Europe also account
for the success of the Belgian revolution. For instance, the French
success in 1789 and 1830 morale boosted the Belgians, even those who
were initially reluctant to join the revolt. One must emphasis that the
1830 revolution in France, Poland, Italy and the Greek war of
independence diverted the attention of European powers that would have
assisted the Dutch. For instance, Austria and Russia were tied to
suppressing the revolts in Italy and Poland respectively. These were
events that favoured the success of the Belgian revolution.
13.
Lastly, the London conference of 1839 was a Land mark for the success
of the Belgian revolution. The London treaty guaranteed the independence
and neutrality of Belgium, which was recognized by the great powers as
well as Holland. Besides, the treaty clearly defined the boundaries of
Belgium and her neighbours like Holland. For instance, she retained
Antwerp and the western part of Luxemburg. All these made the Belgian
revolution an international issue and put her on the map of Europe as an
independent and neutral state.
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