The History of Belgium: A Thorough Historical Voyage | Paperback Book
The History of Belgium: A Thorough Historical Voyage | Paperback Book
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This book examines the history of Belgium from ancient times to the modern era, exploring political, cultural, and social developments in the region.
Key Topics Covered:
- Pre-Roman and Early Periods: Archaeological sites in areas like the Ardennes.
- Medieval and Burgundian Era: Rulers like Philip the Good and territorial changes.
- Spanish Netherlands: Events such as the Sack of Antwerp in 1576.
- Colonial Period: Leopold II's involvement in the Congo and related agreements.
- 19th Century Independence: The Belgian Revolution and separation from the Netherlands.
Additional Historical Points:
- Religious and Social Conflicts: Impacts of the Reformation and Inquisition.
- Industrial Age: Labor conditions and language movements.
- Napoleonic Era: Policies affecting local populations.
Reader Feedback Example: "This book discusses regional divisions and historical events." — Élise Dubois (Historian, Université de Liège)
Book Features:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Spans multiple centuries with references to sources.
- Intended Audience: Suitable for readers interested in European history, colonial studies like King Leopold's Ghost, or regional conflicts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: PREHISTORIC BEGINNINGS AND EARLY CELTIC INHABITANTS
- Earliest human settlements and archaeological findings
- Transition from hunter-gatherer to farming communities
- Celtic tribal life, social structures, and cultural influence
CHAPTER 2: THE ROMAN CONQUEST AND GALLO-ROMAN CULTURE
- Julius Caesar’s campaigns and Roman military presence
- Infrastructure developments (roads, towns, villas)
- Merging of Roman customs with local traditions
CHAPTER 3: THE END OF ROMAN RULE AND THE MEROVINGIAN RISE
- Decline of Roman authority and local power shifts
- Migration of Germanic tribes (Franks)
- Emergence of the Merovingian dynasty and its impact
CHAPTER 4: THE CAROLINGIAN EMPIRE AND THE BIRTH OF FEUDAL STRUCTURES
- Charlemagne’s rule and central administration
- Spread of Christianity and cultural reforms
- Early stages of feudal organization
CHAPTER 5: REGIONAL IDENTITIES AND THE GROWTH OF FLANDERS
- Feudal fragmentation and localized governance
- Economic prosperity through trade and cloth production
- Formation of distinct Flemish identity
CHAPTER 6: THE COUNTY OF HAINAUT, DUCHY OF BRABANT, AND OTHER PRINCIPALITIES
- Rise of regional principalities in the Low Countries
- Political relationships and alliances between counties and duchies
- Impact of trade routes on urban centers
CHAPTER 7: THE BURGUNDIAN NETHERLANDS
- Unification of several Low Countries under Burgundian rule
- Court culture and patronage of the arts
- Administrative strategies to consolidate power
CHAPTER 8: EARLY HABSBURG INFLUENCE
- Transition from Burgundian to Habsburg control
- Marriage alliances and territorial expansion
- Growing tensions between nobility and central authority
CHAPTER 9: RELIGIOUS TURMOIL AND THE REFORMATION PERIOD
- Spread of Protestant ideas in the Low Countries
- Catholic response and the Inquisition
- Societal divisions and the early stirrings of conflict
CHAPTER 10: THE SPANISH NETHERLANDS UNDER HABSBURG RULE
- Philip II’s governance and religious policies
- Impact of the Eighty Years’ War on the southern provinces
- Social and economic changes during Spanish administration
CHAPTER 11: WAR OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION AND ITS AFTERMATH
- European power struggle after Charles II’s death
- Changing rulers and shifting borders
- Long-term effects on local governance
CHAPTER 12: THE AUSTRIAN NETHERLANDS AND ENLIGHTENMENT IDEAS
- Transition to Austrian rule and central reforms
- Growth of Enlightenment thought and intellectual movements
- Tensions between modernizing governance and traditional institutions
CHAPTER 13: REFORMS OF JOSEPH II AND GROWING DISCONTENT
- Joseph II’s extensive administrative, religious, and legal reforms
- Resistance from clergy and local aristocracy
- Seeds of unrest that would shape future revolts
CHAPTER 14: THE BRABANT REVOLUTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
- Immediate triggers of the Brabant Revolution
- Formation of the United Belgian States
- Collapse of the rebellion and its political implications
CHAPTER 15: FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY ERA AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES
- French annexation and introduction of Napoleonic codes
- Restructuring of local institutions
- Lasting influence of revolutionary policies on society
CHAPTER 16: THE NAPOLEONIC PERIOD IN THE LOW COUNTRIES
- Napoleon’s rule and continental influence
- Military conscription and economic challenges
- Final defeat and its aftermath in the region
CHAPTER 17: THE UNITED KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS (1815–1830)
- Creation of a single state under King William I
- Religious, linguistic, and economic disparities
- Tensions setting the stage for a new revolution
CHAPTER 18: THE BELGIAN REVOLUTION OF 1830
- Immediate causes of the uprising
- Establishment of a provisional government
- Recognition of Belgian independence and international response
CHAPTER 19: THE EARLY BELGIAN KINGDOM UNDER LEOPOLD I
- Constitutional framework and political structures
- Challenges to nation-building in a new monarchy
- Social and economic development during Leopold I’s reign
CHAPTER 20: MID- TO LATE-19TH CENTURY DEVELOPMENTS AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
- Railroads, factories, and urban expansion
- Changing social classes and labor conditions
- Foundations laid for modern Belgian society
Product Details
Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback

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