The birth of Belgium – archive, 1830

Following a revolution against rule from the Netherlands, a provisional government in Belgium declared its independence on 4 October 1830. See how the Guardian and Observer reported events

After the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, Belgium became part of a single nation called the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, ruled by William of Orange. The traditionally Catholic Belgians in the southern provinces chafed with the largely Protestant people of the north leading to an uprising and declaration of independence on 4 October 1830.