The Messenger - Unit III

The long-awaited independence is completed

Friday 22/07/1831 (Brussels)

It has been more than a dozen years, but we can finally say it. The process of our country’s independence is finally complete.

Belgium has been unified to Holland since the rest of Europe decided it in the Congress of Vienna, but they didn't think about our differences. Most of people who were literate or had an important position in the army were in the north in Holland’s territory. In addition, their language, customs and religion were imposed on us by the government. Discontent run through our streets since this trait was considered unfair by many belgians.

Belgium Revolts

Since the July 27 revolutions in Paris last year, the people have been rising up, loots and attempts to get the power such us riots have been going on since then. This is something that led our previous king, Frederick, to send his military army fight against the people in revolt. After that, Belgium celebrated a constituent assembly and started to be considered as a free state by France and Great Britain.

In February this assembly agreed on a constitution for this new state, determining a model of government for a parliamentary monarchy, something that came with another problem, who should occupy the position of monarch? There have been several candidates for the throne, but they’ve all been rejected, most of them to avoid problems with France and Great Britain. All but one, Leopold of Saxony-Coburg, Prince of a German Duchy and widower of princess Charlotte of England.  

Leopold I, King of Belgium

Leopold I, born 40 years ago in the Holy

Roman Empire, was made colonel when
he was just 6 years old and general at the
age of 12 in Russia. He was contacted by
Napoleon himself to be his assistant,

which he refused and went back to Russia
to fight under Alejandro I’s orders against
   Napoleonic Empire. His skills and abilities
allowed him to become a marshal, the highest

place in the army, with just 25 years. His impeccable

career has attracted the attention of many countries,
Peru and Greece asked him to be their king, but he
refused their proposals. He only accepted when he
was requested to be the new Belgium’s king. 

                                                                          

Since yesterday, we’ve got a new capable ruler of a new free state, and Britain has assured protection in exchange of king’s impartiality. In short, this new situation will yield Belgium the chance to be at the forefront of the industrial countries.