Brussels
History - All the major cities in Belgium
– Antwerp, Bruges, and Brussels have developed
independently from each other but their histories
all link together. Belgian history is also very closely
linked that of the Netherlands and neighboring Luxembourg.
It is said that Brussels was born in the 6th century
– officially, Brussels was formed and founded
in 979. The German Emperor Otto 2nd gave Low-Lorraine
to Carl of France. Back then the island was known
as Island of Saint-Gorik. Around this time Carl of
France made a decision to build a castrum (like a
fortress) there, but close to the end of the 10th
century, Lambert of Leuven took over and built a new
castle and started the city walls.
Over time, Brussels became more
and more important. In the 13th century the Guilds
start fighting against the mighty and rich group of
Citizens and there was unrest until Duchess Joan took
over and Brussels becomes a thriving city until the
end of the 14th century.
After a recession, Brussels started
to make luxury goods (setting the basis for the upmarket
feel about Brussels today). Around the end of the
15th Century, the Habsburgs gained power (when Carl
the Bold's daughter married Maximilian of Austria).
In the year 1555, the Emperor Charles V resigns. and
is replaced by Phillip II. For some years Brussels
was under the rule of the successor of Phillip II.
In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte –
the leader of the new French state was defeated in
the Battle of Waterloo near Brussels by the British,
Dutch and Prussian forces. From this resulted the
creation of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands
which included Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg (Logan
& Cole, p.17). Belgium would be ruled at the hand
of one last foreign emperor – William I, Dutch
emperor. William I made many enemies though –
he did not treat the southern half of Belgium fairly
or give them political representation (Logan &
Cole, p.19). He is forced to leave Belgium in 1830
– and Belgium manages to finally secure their
independence.
The first Belgian King, Leopold I ruled and began
to rebuild the city allowing the arts and commerce
to prosper. Brussels' population
expanded dramatically.
In both World War I and II, Brussels
was continually surrounded by fighting and war and
suffered much hardship and damage. After World War
11, two regions were formed Flanders and Walloon and
Belgium again had itsown government. It became the
capital of the European Union
Belgium is split into two semi-independent
regions – Flanders and the Walloon Provinces.
Belgium creates its own government and becomes the
capital of the European Union in 1957 and in 1967
NATO headquarters are based nearby. These institutions
brought a huge influx of foreigners into Brussels
and the population has recently been increased again
with the accession of the new states to the European
Union.
In 1993 King Albert II succeeded
King Baudouin.
