Belgium's History
Belgium occupies part of the Roman province of Belgica, named after the Belgae. This area was conquered by Julius Caesar in 57-50 B.C. Soon after, it was overrun by the Franks in the 5th century A.D. Charlemagne had control of Belgium in the 8th century. Later, it was absorbed into the duchy of Lower Lorraine. Belgium was partitioned into the duchies of Brabant and Luxembourg, and the domain of the count of Hainaut. In the 5th century, most of the Low Countries (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg) passed to the duchy of Burgundy and were inherited by Emperor Charles V. In 1555, the territories went to his son, the King of Spain. After the French Revolution, Belgium was annexed to France. But after Napolean's downfall, Belgium was put under the rule of the king of Holland. In 1830, Belgium rebelled against the Dutch Rule and declared independence.
Germany invaded Belgium in 1914, which set off World War I. Leopold III became king during World War I. The treaty of Versailles in 1919 gave Eupen, Malmedy, and Moresnet to Belgium. In World War II, Belgium was overwhelmed by Nazi Germany. Leopold's son, Baudouin, became king. Belgium granted independence to the Congo in 1960 and to Ruanda-Urundi in 1962.
Since 1958, when the European Economic Community was born, Brussels, Belgium's capital, has been establishing itself as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Belgium turned into a federal state with significant autonomy for its three regions and its three language communities.
Germany invaded Belgium in 1914, which set off World War I. Leopold III became king during World War I. The treaty of Versailles in 1919 gave Eupen, Malmedy, and Moresnet to Belgium. In World War II, Belgium was overwhelmed by Nazi Germany. Leopold's son, Baudouin, became king. Belgium granted independence to the Congo in 1960 and to Ruanda-Urundi in 1962.
Since 1958, when the European Economic Community was born, Brussels, Belgium's capital, has been establishing itself as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Belgium turned into a federal state with significant autonomy for its three regions and its three language communities.