The antique and medieval periods. Though Belgium as the independent state was formed in 1830, the history of the people occupying the Southern Netherlands, leaves the roots in Ancient Rome. In 57 B.C. July Caesar Rhine, Marne and Hay has applied the name «Gallia Belgika» to a designation of the territory won by it possessed between the North Sea and the rivers Vaal. There there lived the Celtic tribes, shown furious resistance to Romans. The most known and the tribe belgov was numerous. After bloody wars of the earth belgov have been definitively subdued by Romans (51 B.C.) and were a part of Roman empire. The Roman conquerors have entered into the circulation among belgov Latin language, legislative system on the basis of the roman law, and in the end of 2 centuries in this territory the Christianity has extended.
In connection with decline of Roman empire in 3–4 centuries of the earth belgov have been seized by the German tribes of francs. Francs have occupied basically the country north, having begun linguistic division between national groups of the German and Romance origin. This border stretched from Cologne to Boulogne-SJUR-measures, was saved practically without changes up to now. To the north from this line Flemings – the people, related on language and culture to Netherlanders, and to the south – vallony, relatives by origin and to language to Frenchmen were formed. The state of francs has reached the blossoming during Charles Velikogo's 46-year-old board (768-814). After his death, under Verdun agreement 843, the empire Karolingov has been divided into three parts. The average part which has got to Louis Lotarju, reserved an imperial title, switched on, besides Italy and Burgundy, all earths of the historical Netherlands. After death the empire Lotarja has by degrees broken up to set of independent feudal possession, most significant of them in the north of a steel a county Flanders, duchy Brabant and episcopacy Liege. Their vulnerable position between the French and German powers which were generated to 11 century, has played essential, if not a main role in their subsequent development. Flanders constrained the French threat from the south, Brabant directed efforts to a gain prirejnskoj a trading area and actively participated in international trade of Flanders.
In constant struggle against foreign interference and vassal dependence on the German emperors Flanders and Brabant in 1337 have concluded the union which has mortgaged a basis for the further association of the Netherlands earths.
At 13-14 centuries fast grew in the Southern Netherlands of a city, the commodity exchange economy and foreign trade developed. Such big rich cities as Brugge, Gent, Ieper, Dinan and Namur, as a result of persistent struggle against feudal lords became self-coping communes. With growth of cities the requirement for the foodstuffs increased, the agriculture became commodity, areas under crops extended, jobs on land reclamation have begun and social stratification in the environment of peasantry has become aggravated.
The Burgundian epoch. In 1369 Phillip Burgundsky has concluded the marriage union with the daughter the column Flandrsky. It has led to distribution of the power of Burgundy to Flanders. From now on and on 1543 when Gelderland has joined the Netherlands, the Burgundian dukes and their successors Gabsburgi have extended the power to the increasing number of provinces in the Netherlands. Centralisation has amplified, the power of cities-communes weakened, crafts, art, architecture and a science prospered. Phillip Spravedlivyj (1419-1467) has practically reunited the earths of Lorraine in borders of 9 centuries Burgundy became the main contender of France, and in the end of 15 centuries even has surpassed it when unique daughter Charles Smelogo, Maria Burgundskaja, contacted marriage with Maksimilianom Gabsburgom, the son of the emperor of Sacred Roman empire. Their son has taken as wife the successor of a throne of Spain, and the grandson, Charles V, was the emperor of Sacred Roman empire and the king of Spain; it has surrounded France with the extensive possession which were switching on the Belgian provinces. Charles V, correcting the Netherlands with 1506 on 1555, has forced the French king to concede to it in 1526 fifth part of Flanders and artua and in long run has united the Netherlands under the power of one dynasty, having attached in 1523–1543 Utrecht, Overejssel, Groningen, Drente and Gelderland. Under Augsburgsky agreement 1548 and «the Pragmatical sanction» 1549, it has united 17 provinces of the Netherlands in independent unit within the limits of Sacred Roman empire.
The Spanish period. Though the Augsburgsky agreement also has united the Netherlands, having released provinces from direct imperial submission, the strong centrifugal tendencies which were taking place in the Netherlands, and new policy Phillip II of Spanish in which advantage Charles V 1555 in has abdicated, braked development of the uniform complete state. Already at Charles V it was developed religious and political strike between the Protestant north and the Catholic south, and the laws accepted by Phillip II against heretics, have touched various levels of population of the Netherlands. Sermons of priests-Calvinists involved the increasing number of people, open performances against Catholic church which accused of abusings and people robbery have begun. Splendour and idleness of a royal court yard, with residences in Gent and Bruxelles, displeased burghers. Phillip's attempts II to suppress freedom and privileges of cities and to operate them by means of foreign officers, such as its main adviser cardinal Granvella, have displeased the Netherlands nobility among which the Lutheranism and a Calvinism began to extend. When Phillip in 1567 has sent duke Albu to the Netherlands to suppress performances of the opponents, revolt of the oppositional nobility headed by prince Wilhelm Oranskim which declared itself a protector of northern provinces in the north has flashed. Long and fierce struggle against overseas sovereignty has not crowned success for the South Netherlands provinces: they capitulated to Phillip II and remained under the power of the Spanish crown and Catholic church, and Flanders and Brabant in long run were subject to Spaniards that has been fixed Arrassky uniej in 1579. Separated northern seven provinces in reply to this certificate have signed the text Utrecht unii (1579), declaring themselves independent. After Phillip's deposition II (1581) here there was a Republic of the Connected Provinces.
With 1579 to the Utrecht peace treaty 1713 while the Republic of the Connected Provinces in the European wars on a land and on the sea battled against Spain, England and France, southern provinces aspired to avoid dependence on the power Spanish Gabsburgov, Frenchmen and Dutches. In 1579 they recognised Phillip II suverenom, but insisted on an internal political autonomy. At first the Spanish Netherlands (so southern provinces began to be called now) have been transformed into the Spanish protectorate. To provinces have saved their privileges, on places executive advices which were subject to deputy Phillip II Alexander Farneze operated.
In board of daughter Phillip of II Isabella and her husband ertsgertsoga Albert Gabsburga which has begun in 1598, the Spanish Netherlands was the separate state connected by dynastic bonds with Spain. After Albert's death and the Isabella which did not have successors, this territory has returned again under the power of the Spanish king. The Spanish protection and the power in 17 century did not supply neither safety, nor prosperity. For a long time the Spanish Netherlands served as arena of struggle Gabsburgov and Burbonov. In 1648 on the Vestfalsky world Spain has conceded a part of Flanders, Brabant and Limburga in favour of the Connected Provinces and has agreed on closing of a mouth of the river of Schelde, as a result Antwerp has actually ceased to exist as seaport and shopping centre. In wars against France in second half of 17 centuries Spain has lost some southern borders of the Spanish Netherlands, having conceded to their Louis XIV. In war for the Spanish inheritance (1701-1713), southern provinces have turned to arena of military actions. Louis XIV persistently aspired to win these territories, but actually within several years (up to the conclusion of the Utrecht agreement) they were under the power of the Connected Provinces and England.
The section of the Netherlands in the end of 16 centuries has strengthened political, religious, cultural and economic delimitation between the north and the south. While the south broken by numerous wars continued to be under the power of Spanish Gabsburgov and the Catholic church, the independent north which has accepted a Calvinism, with its public both cultural values and traditions, rough economic lifting worried. Long time existed language distinction between northern provinces where spoke in the Netherlands language, and southern where spoke in French. However the political border between the Spanish Netherlands and the Connected Provinces passed to the north of linguistic border. The large part of the population of southern provinces of Flanders and Brabant spoke on-flamandski, on a dialect of the Netherlands language which began to differ even more from the Netherlands language after political and consequently, and cultural branch. The economy of the Spanish Netherlands has come to complete decline, all economic relations have collapsed, there is no time blossoming flandrskie cities have been thrown. There have come the most gloomy times in country history.
The Austrian period. On the Utrecht world 1713, the Spanish Netherlands has departed to Austrian Gabsburgam and at Charles VI began to be referred to as the Austrian Netherlands. At the same time the Connected provinces have acquired the right to take in them eight fortresses on border with France. To Austria a little that has changed transition of the Southern Netherlands in an internal life of provinces: the national autonomy and traditional institutes of the local nobility continued to exist. Neither Charles VI, nor Maria Terezija who has inherited a throne in 1740, have never visited the Austrian Netherlands. They operated provinces through governors in Bruxelles the same as it was done by the Spanish kings. But these earths still were object of territorial claims of France and a place of a trading competitiveness between England and the Connected Provinces. For revival of the exhausted economy of the Austrian Netherlands some efforts have been undertaken – the most appreciable was creation in 1722 East Indian companies which has carried out 12 expeditions to India and China, but because of a competitiveness from the Dutch and English East Indian companies and pressure from the governments of both countries in 1731 has been dismissed. Joseph II, elder son Maria Terezii who has come to the throne in 1780, has undertaken some attempts to reform system of internal management, and also to carry out reforms in the field of the right, social policy, educations and churches. However Joseph's vigorous reforms II have been doomed to failure. Aspiration of the emperor to rigid centralisation and desire to stop at nothing in achievement of the purposes have led to accruing resistance to reforms from various levels of population. Joseph's II undermining foundations of dominating Catholic church the religious reforms, called counteraction on an extent of 1780th years, and its transformations of a management system in 1787 which should deprive of inhabitants of the country of local institutes of the power and a national autonomy, became a spark which has led to revolution.
Brabant and Eno in 1788 have refused to pay taxes to the Austrians, and next year general revolt, so-called Brabant revolution has flashed. In August 1789 population of Brabant has risen against the Austrian authorities and as a result in December 1789 from the Austrians all territory of the Belgian provinces has been released almost. In January 1790 National congress has proclaimed creation of an independent state of the Connected Belgian States. However the new government consisting of representatives of a conservative aristocratic consignment "nootistov", supported of Catholic clergy, was svergnuto Leopold II who in February 1790 became the emperor after death of brother Joseph II.
The French period. Belgians whom foreigners again operated, with hope looked at revolution development in France. However they were hardly are disappointed, when as a result of long avstro-French of rivalry (Belgians acted on the party of Frenchmen) the Belgian provinces (since October 1795) have been switched on in structure of France. So the period of 20-year-old French domination has begun. Though Napoleon's reforms also have made positive impact on economic development of the Belgian provinces (cancellation of internal customs houses and liquidation of shops, an exit of the Belgian goods on the French market), the continuous wars accompanied rekrutskimi by call-ups, and tax increase called mass discontent of Belgians, and the aspiration to national independence warmed up the Antifrench moods. However rather short period of the French domination has played very important role in advancement of Belgium to independence. Soslovno-feudal order destruction, introduction of the progressive French legislation, the administrative and judicial system was a main gain of this period. Frenchmen have proclaimed navigation freedom across Schelde which has been closed within 144 years.
The Belgian provinces as a part of Kingdom of the Netherlands. After Napoleon's definitive defeat in 1815 at Waterloo at will of heads of powers-winners which were going to on the Viennese congress, all provinces of the historical Netherlands have been united in the big buffer state Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prevention of possible French expansion became its problem. The son last stathaudera Wilhelm's Connected Provinces V prince Wilhelm Oransky has been proclaimed by a sovereign sovereign of the Netherlands under Wilhelm's name I.
The union with the Netherlands granted certain economic gains to southern provinces. More developed agriculture of Flanders and Brabant and the prospering industrial cities of Vallonii developed thanks to the Netherlands maritime trade in which result southerners have got access to the markets in overseas colonies of mother country. But as a whole the Netherlands government spent economic policy exclusively in interests of northern part of the country. Though in southern provinces lived at least on 50 % of inhabitants more than in northern, they had identical number of representatives in General States, and it had been granted insignificant number of military, diplomatic and ministerial posts. The short-sighted policy of king-Protestant Wilhelm I in the field of religion and the education, switching on equality granting to all faiths and creation of system of a secular elementary education, has displeased the Catholic south. Besides, a country official language became Netherlands, strict censorship has been entered and creation of a various sort of the organisations and associations is forbidden. A number of laws of the new state has called mass discontent of the population of southern provinces. Flemish dealers were indignant with advantages which their Dutch colleagues had. The indignation was shown even more vallonskie by the industrialists feeling restrained Netherlands laws who could not protect the arising industry from a competitiveness.
In 1828 two basic Belgian consignments, Catholics and the liberals pushed by a policy of Wilhelm I, have generated uniform national front. This union which has received the name "unionizma", was supported within almost 20 years and became the main engine of struggle for independence.
Independent state: 1830–1847. July revolution 1830 in France has inspired Belgians. A number of natural Antidutch performances in Bruxelles and Liege which then have fast extended on all south on August, 25 1830th has begun. At first not all Belgians supported complete political branch from the Netherlands; some wanted, that instead of Wilhelm I the king became his son, the popular prince in the people Oransky whereas others required only administrative autonomy. However growing influence of the French liberalism and Brabant national spirit, and also rigid military actions and Wilhelm's repressive measures I have changed a situation.
When in September the Netherlands armies have entered southern provinces, them have met as aggressors. That was only attempt of exile of the Netherlands officers and armies, became the co-ordinated movement to the free and independent state. In November elections in the National congress have taken place. The congress has accepted the declaration on the independence, produced in October provisional government which was headed by Charles Rozhe, and has started to work over the constitution. The constitution has taken effect in February. The country has been declared by constitutional monarchy with a parliament of two houses. A vote those who paid taxes the certain size had, and well-founded citizens acquired a right on some voices. The executive power was carried out by the king and the prime minister who should affirm parliament. The legislature was divided between the king, parliament and ministers. The centralised bourgeois state which combined in itself liberal ideas and the conservative institutes supported by the union of middle classes and nobility became a fruit of the new constitution.
Meanwhile the question on the one who will be the king of Belgium, became a subject of wide international discussion and diplomatic fights (in London even conference of ambassadors has been called). When the Belgian National congress has selected the king of son Lui Phillip, the new French king, Englishmen have made the protest, and conference has considered this offer inappropriate. After some months Belgians have named the relative of the English queen of prince Leopold Saksen-Koburgskogo from Gotha. It was a comprehensible figure for Frenchmen and Englishmen and became the king of Belgians on July, 21 1831st under Leopold J.Dogovor's name on settlement of process of branch of Belgium from the Netherlands, made on the London conference, I have not received approval from Wilhelm, and the Netherlands army has crossed again the Belgian border. The European powers by means of the French armies have forced it to recede, but Wilhelm I has rejected again the revised text of the agreement. In 1833 the armistice has been concluded. At last, in April 1839 in London all parties have signed agreements on the major items on borders and section of an internal financial debt of Kingdom of the Netherlands. Belgium has been compelled to pay a part of military costs of the Netherlands, to concede a part of Luxembourg and Limburga and Maastricht.
In 1831 Belgium it has been declared by the European powers «by independent and it is eternal a neutral state», and the Netherlands recognised independence and a neutrality of Belgium only in 1839. The Great Britain struggled for preservation of Belgium as European country, free from foreign influence. At the initial stage of Belgium the Polish revolution 1830 as it has distracted on herself attention of Russian and the Austrians "has helped" – potential allies of the Netherlands who otherwise could help Wilhelm I again to occupy Belgium.
The first 15 years of independence have demonstrated continuation of a policy unionizma and monarchy formation as unity and loyalty symbol. The coalition of Catholics and liberals practically to an economic crisis of the middle of 1840th years spent uniform internal and foreign policy. Leopold I has appeared the competent governor, furthermore having communications and influence in the European royal houses, especially good relations were established with its niece, the English queen Victoria.
The period with 1840 on 1914. The middle and the end of 19 centuries have been noted by extraordinary fast development of the industry of Belgium; approximately to 1870 new country on a level with the Great Britain took one of the first places among industrially developed countries of the world. The big scope in Belgium was acquired by mechanical engineering, the coal-mining industry, building of the state railways and channels. Protectionism cancellation in 1849, national bank creation in 1835, restoration of Antwerp as trade centre – all it promoted fast boom in Belgium.
Belgium has gone through in 1830th years of flash oranzhistskogo movements, the difficult economic situation in the middle of 1840th years was especially hard reflected in agriculture. Nevertheless Belgium managed to be avoided the revolutionary excitement which have captured all Europe in 1848, partly thanks to acceptance in 1847 laws, lowering the voting qualification.
To the middle of 19 centuries the liberal bourgeoisie could not act as an united front with Catholics-conservatives any more. The education system became a dispute subject. The liberals supporting official secular schools in whom the religion rate was replaced with morals rate, had a majority in parliament with 1847 on 1870. During the period with 1870 on 1914 (excepting five years between 1879 and 1884) the power had a Catholic consignment. Liberals managed to spend through parliament the law providing branch of schools from church (1879). However it has been excellent Catholics in 1884 and in the program of elementary schools religious disciplines have been returned. Catholics have strengthened the power in 1893, having passed of the law which has granted a vote to all adult men is more senior 25 years that was unconditional the advantageous decision for a consignment of Catholics.
In 1879 in Belgium the Belgian socialist party on which base in April 1885 the Belgian workers' party (BRP) was formed, rukovodimaja Emilem Vandervelde has been based. BRP has refused revolutionary struggle, being under strong influence prudonizma and anarchism, and has selected tactics of achievement of the purposes parliamentary by. In the union with progressive Catholics and liberals BRP it was possible to spend through parliament a number of democratic reforms. The laws, concerning housing accommodation, compensatory payments to workers, factory inspection, children's and a female labour have been passed. Strikes in industrial regions in the end 1880th years have resulted Belgium on a civil war side. In many cities between workers and armies there were collisions, were present killed and wounded men. Excitements have captured also military units. Scope of movement has forced the clerical government to go on some concessions. It concerned first of all modification of the law on the suffrage and the working legislation. Sharing of Belgium in colonial section of Africa in Leopold's board II (1864-1909) has mortgaged bases of other conflict. The free state Congo had no official relations with Belgium, and Leopold II has convinced the European powers at the Berlin conference 1884–1885 where the question on section of Africa was solved, to deliver it as the autocratic monarch at the head of this independent state. For this purpose it was necessary for it to receive the consent of the Belgian parliament as the constitution 1831 forbade the king to be simultaneously and the head of other state. A majority of votes the parliament has made this decision. In 1908 Leopold II has conceded the rights to Congo to the Belgian state, and from now on Congo became the Belgian colony.
The serious conflict has arisen between vallonami and Flemings. Requests of Flemings were reduced to that the French and Flemish languages have been similarly recognised by state. In Flanders has arisen and the cultural movement extolling the Flemish past and its nice historical traditions has developed. In 1898 the law confirming a principle "dvujazychnosti" then texts of laws, inscriptions on mail and revenue stamps, monetary notes and coins appeared in two languages has been passed.
The First World War. Because of vulnerability of borders and a geographical position at a crossroads of roads of Europe Belgium still remained vulnerable before possible attacks of more powerful powers. Warranties of a neutrality and independence of Belgium from the Great Britain, France, Prussia, Russia and Austria, granted by the London agreement 1839, transformed it into the hostage of difficult diplomatic game of the European politicians without delay. This warranty of a neutrality was firm for 75 years. However to 1907 Europe it was divided into two opposite camps. Germany, Italy and Austro-Hungary have united in the Tripartite alliance. France, Russia and the Great Britain were united by the Triple consent (Antanta): these countries were afraid of the German expansion to Europe and colonies. Intensity strengthening between neighbouring countries – France and Germany – promoted that neutral Belgium became one of the first victims of the First World War.
On August, 2 1914nd the German government has presented the ultimatum with a request to grant possibility to German armies to pass on territory of Belgium to France. The Belgian government has refused, and on August, 4th Germany has intruded in Belgium. So four years of destructive occupation have begun. In territory of Belgium Germans have created "the general a-governorship" and severely suppressed resistance Movement. The population suffered from contributions and robberies. The Belgian industry completely depended on export, therefore rupture of foreign trade ties during occupation has caused national economy crash. Besides, Germans encouraged split among Belgians, supporting extremist and separative Flemish groups.
The intermilitary period. The agreements reached on peace talks in the end of war, contained both positive, and negative sides for Belgium. On the Versailles world, east districts Ejpen and Malmedi have been returned, but more desired duchy Luxembourg remains an independent state. After war Belgium has actually refused the neutrality, having signed in 1920 military agreement with France, having occupied together with it in 1923 Ruhr area and having signed in 1925 Lokarnsky dogovory. According to last of them, to the so-called Rhine guarantee pact, the western borders of Germany defined by the Versailles agreement, have been confirmed by heads of the Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Belgium. Up to the end 1930th years the attention of Belgians has been concentrated to internal problems. It was necessary it was necessary to eliminate the strong destructions caused during war, in particular, to restore the majority of factories of the country. Reconstruction of the enterprises, and also payment of pensions to veterans and compensations for damage have required the big financial assets, and attempt to receive them at the expense of issue has led to an inflation high level. The country suffered also from unemployment. Only cooperation of three basic political parties has prevented complication of an internal political situation. In 1929 the economic crisis has begun. Banks burst, unemployment fast grew, production fell. « The Belgian new economic policy »which began to be carried out in 1935 mainly thanks to efforts of the prime minister of the Field van Zeelanda, has begun economic revival of the country. Fascism growth in Europe as a whole and economic crash promoted formation in Belgium such far right political groups, as reksisty Leon Degrelja (the Belgian Fascist party), and such extremist Flemish nationalist organisations, as the National union of Flemings (with the Antifrench and authoritative bias). Furthermore there was a split of the basic political parties on Flemish and vallonskuju fractions. To 1936 absence of internal unity has led to cancellation of agreements with France. Belgium has preferred to operate irrespective of the European powers. This change of the Belgian foreign policy has hardly weakened an item of France as Frenchmen hoped for actings in concert with Belgians on protection of their northern border and consequently have not prolonged defensive line Mazhino to Atlantic.
The Second World War. On May, 10 1940th German armies without declaration of war have intruded in Belgium. The Belgian army capitulated on May, 28 1940th, and the second four-year-old German occupation has begun. King Leopold III who in 1934 has inherited a throne of the father, Albert I, remained in Belgium and has turned to the German captive of lock Laken. The Belgian government led by JUberom Perlo has emigrated to London and has generated there a new office. Its many members the same as also many Belgians have doubted the application of the king that it is in Belgium to protect the people, to soften cruelty of nazis, to be a symbol of national resistance and unity, and queried constitutionality of its actions. Leopold's behaviour III during war became a main cause of post-war political crisis and has actually led to renunciation of the king of a throne. In September 1944 allies have taken territory of Belgium, having expelled German occupational armies. Prime minister Juber Perlo who has come back from emigration has called parliament which for lack of Leopold III has selected the regent of kingdom of his brother of prince Charles.
Post-war restoration and the European integration. Belgium left war, largely having saved the industrial potential. Therefore industrial regions in the south of the country have been fast modernised by means of the American and Canadian credits and financing under the plan of Marshall. While the south was restored, working out of coal deposits in the north has begun, capacities of Antverpensky port (partially for the account of foreign investment, and partially for the capital account already enough powerful Flemish commercial finance companies) have been expanded. Rich uranium deposits in Congo which have acquired special significance during an epoch of nuclear technologies, also have affected economic prosperity of Belgium.
Economic revival of Belgium was promoted also by new movement for the European unity. Such known Belgian politicians as Pol-Anri Spaak and Jean Rej, have introduced the big investment in convocation and realisation of the first all-European conferences.
Postwar period problems. Post-war years are characterised by an aggravation at once several political problems: dynastic (returning of king Leopold III to Belgium), struggle between church and the state for influence on school education, growth of national-liberation movement in Congo and fierce war on linguistic soil between Flemish and French communities.
The decision of king Leopold III to become German prisoners of war and its compelled absence in the country at the moment of its clearing have called sharp condemnation of its actions, especially from the party vallonskih socialists. Belgians discussed within five years Leopold's right III to return home. Vallony have been especially disturbed by activity of the king during war and even accused him of cooperation with nazis. They also were indignant with its marriage on Lilian Bals, daughters of the visible Flemish politician. The national referendum in 1950 has shown, that the majority of Belgians have supported returning of the king. However many of those who supported the king, lived in the north, and voting has led to considerable disagreements in company. In Bruxelles the king has been met by the powerful manifestations of protest which have ended with serious collisions with police on July, 16 1951th. As a result the king had to abdicate in favour of the son, prince Boduena.
The conflict concerning the state subsidising of private (Catholic) schools became other problem which threatened unity of Belgium in 1950th years. In 1955 socialists and liberals have united against Catholics to accept the legislation which was saving expenses on private schools. Supporters of the different points of view on a problem spent mass demonstrations in streets. In long run, after the Socially-Christian (Catholic) consignment in 1958 has headed the government, the compromise law limiting a share of parish church establishments, financed of a public finance has been developed.
The temporary balance of forces has been infringed because of the decision to grant independence of Congo. The Belgian Congo was the important source of incomes for Belgium, especially for a small number large, mainly the Belgian companies (such as «the Ore Union Top Katangi»), significant which number of shares the Belgian government possessed. Being afraid of repetition of sad experience of France in Algeria, Belgium has granted on June, 30 1960th Congo independence.
Loss of Congo has called economic difficulties in Belgium. To strengthen economy, the coalition government consisting of representatives of Socially-Christian and Liberal consignments, has confirmed the program of strict economy of means. Socialists have opposed this program and have called for a general strike. Disorders have captured all country, especially vallonsky the south. Flemings have refused to act together with vallonami and boycotted strike. Flemish socialists who originally welcomed strike, have been frightened by disorders and have refused its further support. Strike has ceased, but this crisis has aggravated contradictions between Flemings and vallonami so, that leaders of socialists have offered, that the unitary state Belgium has been replaced with free federation of three regions – Flanders, Vallonii and area round Bruxelles.
This division between vallonami and Flemings became the heaviest problem of modern Belgium. To the First World War domination of the French language reflected the economic and political superiority vallonov which supervised both local, and national government bodies and main consignments. But after 1920, especially after the Second World War, there was a number of changes. Suffrage expansion in 1919 (its women have been deprived up to 1948) and the laws of 1920-1930th years which established equality of Flemish both French languages and have made Flemish language of management in Flanders, have strengthened items of northerners.
Dynamical industrialisation has transformed Flanders into prospering region whereas Vallonija worried an economic recession. More the birth rate high level in the north promoted increase in a share of Flemings in the population of Belgium. Besides, the Flemish population played an appreciable role in a political life of the country, some Flemings have received the important state posts which took before vallony.
Laws 1962 and 1963 have established exact linguistic border, but enmity was saved, and regional isolation has amplified. And Flemings, and vallony opposed discrimination at employment, and at universities of Bruxelles and Luvena excitements have flashed, that in long run has led to division of universities by a language principle. Though during the sixties demohristiane and socialists remained main contenders for the power as Flemish, and vallonskie federalists continued to achieve successes on general election, basically at the expense of liberals. In long run have been created separate Flemish and vallonskie the Ministries of Education, culture and economic development. In 1971 revision of the constitution has paved the way for introduction of regional self-management in the decision of the majority of economic and cultural questions.
On a way to federalism. Despite change of a former policy of centralisation, federalistic consignments have opposed a rate on an autonomy of regions. Repeated attempts of transfer of real legislature to regional bodies were prevented by dispute on geographical borders of the Bruxelles region. In 1980 the consent of an autonomy of Flanders and Vallonii has been reached, additional amendments to the constitution have expanded financial and legislative powers of regions. It was followed by creation of two regional assemblies consisting of existing members of national parliament from county constituencies in corresponding regions.
Vilfrid Martens, the leader of Hristiansko-people party (HNP), became in 1979 prime minister and was on this post (at the head of offices) almost 13 years, heading a right-centrist coalition to 1988. The Jump in prices on petroleum in 1980 has struck strong blow to the Belgian trade and population employment. Rise in price of energy carriers has led to closing of many steelmaking, ship-building and textile enterprises. Considering developed situation, the parliament has granted Martensu special authorities: in 1982–1984 franc was devalvirovan, salaries and the prices are frozen.
The aggravation of national contradictions in small district Le-Furon has resulted in 1987 in government Martensa resignation. Population Le-Furona – parts vallonskoj Liege – has opposed provinces of administration operating it Flemish Limburga, having required that the mayor equally possessed two state languages. The French-speaking mayor selected on elections, has refused to learn the Netherlands language. After next elections Martens has generated the government, having invited in it and socialists provided that they will not support mayor Furona.
The NATO plan to place in Vallonii 48 American rockets of distant radius of action has caused concern to the public, and the government has confirmed placing only 16 of 48 rockets. As a sign of the protest against placing of the American rockets of the organisation of extremist sense in 1984–1985 have spent a series of acts of terrorism.
In Persian gulf 1990–1991 Belgium participated in war only in the area of granting of the humanitarian help.
To 1989 Bruxelles has selected regional assembly which had the same status, as assemblies of Flanders and Vallonii. The further constitutional disputes have arisen when king Boduen has addressed in 1990 with the request to release it of responsibilities for one day, not to give a royal assent on the law allowing abortions (though the interdiction for abortions was ignored for a long time already). The parliament has complied the request of the king, has approved the administration bill and, thus, has saved the king from the conflict to Catholics. Jean-hatch Dehane from HNP has generated the left-centrist government in four months after elections 1991. The majority of traditional consignments was lost by the places in parliament, ecological and antiimmigration consignments (the last was helped by disorders which have flashed because of performances of the North African immigrants in Bruxelles in May 1991) have entered into it. Dehane has suggested to reduce twice budget deficit and to finish it to 3 %-ЫЙ gross national product as that was required by European union, considerably to cut down military expenses, to carry out further federalizatsiju and to reduce number of deputies in parliament by 50 %. Constitution revision in 1993 has led to reorganisation of parliamentary system and transfer of a part of authorities to regions and language communities. In July 1993 king Boduen has died, and his brother Albert II became the king of Belgians.
In the mid-nineties crisis in the country has gone deep because of government actions on narrowing of the deficit of the budget and of some scandals in which have appeared leaders of ruling Socialist party and police officers are involved. Severe measures of economy and constantly growing unemployment have called mass indignations of workers which have been warmed up by closing in 1997 large metal works in Vallonii and the Belgian car assembly factory of French company "Рено". In 1990th years the problems connected with the former Belgian colonies again have emerged. Relations with Zaire (the former Belgian Congo) in the early nineties have become aggravated again because of dispute on refunding of a debt of Zaire Belgium and corruption charges of some the officials putting pressure upon the government of Zaire. Belgium has been involved in the heavy conflict which has called in 1990–1994 disasters in Ruanda (the former Belgian colony Ruanda-Urundi). Despite all these problems, Z.-L.Dehane it was kept at the power, having spent some government reshuffles, and remained at the head of an office after elections 1995. Its coalition has received strong support, and is extremist nationalists have suffered defeat in an election. Nevertheless friction between the Belgian language communities do not cease, despite successfully carried out process federalizatsii the countries.
