Belgium, 1831-present The Belgian Revolution in 1830 led to the secession of the southern provinces
Belgium, 1831-present The Belgian Revolution in 1830 led to the secession of the southern provinces from the Netherlands. Reason for the establishment of an independent Kingdom of Belgium was, that it was inhabited almost exclusively by Catholics, while the rest of the Netherlands was Protestant. During the period of Austrian rule, the Austrian Emperor imposed the use of the Austrian flag. The population of Brussels was opposed to this, and following the example of France, red, yellow and black cockades began to appear; those being the colours of Brabant. The colours thus correspond to the red, yellow and black lions of all Belgian provinces. At first the stripes were horizontal, but this was changed very soon. Either to more clearly distinguish it from the Dutch flag, or as a gesture of sympathy with the French. -- source link
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