Page 41 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

THE HIST OR Y OF BRUSSELS  39

Le Théâtre de la
Monnaie
A patriotic song,
L’Amour Sacré de la
Patrie, led the
audience on the night
of 25 August 1830 to
join demon strators
outside (see pp52–3).

The Revolution in Industry
Unemployment, low wages and factory closures
during the early decades of the 19th century
sparked unrest in 1830.

Belgian Revolution
High unemployment, poor wages and a bad
winter in 1829 provoked protests about living and
working conditions. The revolution was ignited by
a patriotic and radical opera at the Brussels’ opera
house, and the largely liberal audience rushed
out into the street, raising the Brabant flag. Ten
thousand troops were sent by William to quash
the rebels, but the Belgian soldiers deserted and
the Dutch were finally driven out of Belgium.

The initial list of demands asked for
administrative independence from the
Dutch, and for freedom of press.

King of Belgium, Léopold I
This symbolic illustration of the
revolution shows both liberals The crowning of German prince, Léopold of
and workers ready to die for Saxe-Coburg, in Brussels in 1831 finally
their country. established Belgium’s independence.

1790 Republic of 1799 Emperor 1815 Battle of Waterloo. 1830 Rebellion
United Belgian Napoleon Napoleon defeated by begins at the
States formed. rules France army led by the Duke Théâtre de
Temporary end Wellington of Wellington la Monnaie
of Austrian rule in Brussels
1790 1800 1810 1820 1830
1794 Brussels loses 1815 Belgium, allied with 1831 State of Belgium
its importance to Holland under the United formed on 21 July. Treaty of
The Hague Kingdom of the Netherlands, London grants independence
is ruled by William I of
1790 War between Orange. Brussels becomes 1835 Continental railway built
France and Austria second capital from Brussels to Mechelen

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