Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
  1. Home
  2. Search

Refine search

Refine search

Access:
Content type:
Publication date:
Apply   From and To filters
Subject: Show more
Journals Show more
Publishers: Show more
Societies Show more
Series: Show more
Collections: Show more

Actions for selected content:

Select all | Deselect all
  • View selected items
  • Export citations
  • Download PDF (zip)
  • Save to Kindle
  • Save to Dropbox
  • Save to Google Drive

Save Search

You can save your searches here and later view and run them again in "My saved searches".

Please provide a title, maximum of 40 characters.
Cancel
×

1 results

  • 14 - The United States of Belgium

  • from Part II - Western, Central, and Eastern Europe
  • General editor Wim Klooster, Clark University, Massachusetts
  • Book:
    The Cambridge History of the Age of Atlantic Revolutions
    Published online:
    18 October 2023
    Print publication:
    09 November 2023, pp 375-395

  • Summary

    In December 1789 the Belgians won their independence from Austria. Belgian revolutionaries cast Austrian Emperor Joseph II as a foreign tyrant. Two years before, the Estates of the nine Belgian provinces led by lawyer Henri van der Noot had resisted Austrian-imposed reforms of their religious institutions and judicial administration. Pamphlets flew, not only defending rights guaranteed by centuries-old Belgian provincial constitutions, but arguing that Belgians should follow the Americans and fight for the natural rights. In October 1789, revolutionaries came together to issue the “Manifeste du Peuple Brabançon,” modeled on the American Declaration of Independence. An army of volunteers marched into battle supported by villagers. Taking advantage of a ten-day armistice to regroup, the Belgians overcame the Austrian forces and proclaimed their independence.