22 October 1830
Holland and Belgium Divorce
[G.K. van Hogendorp],`Holland and Belgium separating' (The Hague 1830)
N 102/1
Belgium and Holland were married in 1815 by order of the great European powers. Belgium was most discontented with this union. Following a popular rebellion, the Provisional Government proclaims independence on 4 October 1830. The Dutch statesman Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp shows understanding in a pamphlet dated 22 October 1830. His advice is to let the Belgians go, since they are so emotional about this issue. Holland can practice free trade without being affected by Belgian desires for protectionist measures. In the end, Europe is better off with two balanced nations rather than a single one that is ready to start a civil war. "It is even possible that in the next century, the progress of the human spirit will combine the conflicting interests."
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Died on 22 October |