Belgium
History of Belgium
A neutral timeline in simple language.
Before 1830
The Southern Netherlands and historical regions form the background of later Belgium.
1830
The Belgian Revolution leads to independence.
1831
Leopold I becomes the first King of the Belgians.
World War I
Belgium is heavily affected and many places remain important for remembrance.
World War II
Belgium is occupied again and later rebuilds.
After 1945
Belgium grows economically, socially and institutionally.
Benelux and Europe
Belgium cooperates with neighbouring countries and European institutions.
From 1970 onward
State reforms gradually make Belgium federal.
Today
Belgium is a federal democracy with regions, communities and municipalities.
Afghan Limburg