La Muette de portici
La Muette de Portici, or The Mute Girl of Portici, written by Daniel Auber, was the spark of the Belgian revolution. On August 25, 1830, at the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, it was displayed in honor of King William I's birthday. Based loosely on the historical uprising of Masaniello in 1647 against Spanish rule in Naples, it centered around the failed revolution of fisherman against noblemen. The opera possessed an extreme nationalistic and patriotic theme that inspired the audience to pour into the streets and begin seizing government buildings.
Riots
King William I sent his two sons: Prince William and Prince Frederik to quell the riots. Although Prince William proposed the idea for accepting the revolution of the Belgian populace to his father, King William refused. He attempted to restore order by force, but the 8,000 Dutch troops that were sent into Belgium streets were unable to stop the street riots.
During the street brawl, the newly created flag of the Brussels independence movement was fastened on top of the city hall, inspiring the audience even further to fight against Prince William's troops.
During the street brawl, the newly created flag of the Brussels independence movement was fastened on top of the city hall, inspiring the audience even further to fight against Prince William's troops.
International intervention
On September 26, the National Congress was summoned to construct a Constitution and the Provisional Government was established under Charles Latour Rogier, a Belgian liberal statesman. A Declaration of Independence was created on October 4, 1830. At the London Conference of 1830 on December 20, five major European powers, including Russia, Britain, and France, were brought together to discuss the crisis in Belgium. They reached a consensus: by recognizing the success of the Belgian revolution, they guaranteed their support of the country's independence campaign.
Ten Days' campaign
King William I refused to accept Belgium's claim to independence. On August 2, 1831, the Dutch army was commanded to invade Belgium, catalyzing the start of the Ten Days' Campaign. The Dutch army crossed the border near Poppel, and despite local hostilities, continued until they met their first skirmish at Nieuwenkerk. The Belgium army was repelled and forced to retreat into the forests and eventually a swamp. As Belgian morale was crushed after the Belgian banner was torn apart by Dutch artillery, their future seemed bleak. At this time, Sylvain Van de Weyer was sent to solicit support from Great Britain while Francois Lehon was seek the aid of France. Although Russia was busy suppressing the Polish Revolution and Britain was hesitant to send troops, France immediately sent thousands of soldiers. The arrival of the French army drove the Dutch army back. In addition with the eventual intervention of British troops, the Dutch advance was officially halted and a ceasefire was signed on August 12.
INdependence
On April 19, 1839, the Treaty of London was signed by all European powers, including the Dutch, who finally accepting the independence of Belgium. The treaty recognized Belgium as an independent and neutral country.