Treaty of London (1839)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of London (1839)?

Subject:

Treaty of London (1839)

Known for:

Treaty guaranteeing Belgian independence and Luxembourg's German-speaking part.

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Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of London of 1839, was signed on 19 April 1839 between the major European powers, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Belgium. It was a direct follow-up to the 1831 Treaty of the XVIII Articles, which the Netherlands had refused to sign, and the result of negotiations at the London Conference of 1838–1839 which sought to maintain the Concert of Europe. Under the treaty, the European powers recognised and guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Belgium and established the full independence of the German-speaking part of Luxembourg.

Career & Major Achievements

Article VII required Belgium to remain perpetually neutral. Following the German invasion of 1914, Belgium abandoned its policy of neutrality (except for a brief, unsuccessful resumption from 1936 to 1940).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Since 1815, Belgium had been a reluctant part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830, Belgians broke away and established an independent Kingdom of Belgium.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1815: 1815 Milestone — Since 1815, Belgium had been a reluctant part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
2. 1830: 1830 Milestone — In 1830, Belgians broke away and established an independent Kingdom of Belgium.
3. 1831: 1831 Milestone — It was a direct follow-up to the 1831 Treaty of the XVIII Articles, which the Netherlands had refused to sign, and the result of negotiations at the London Conference of 1838–1839 which sought to maintain the Concert of Europe.
4. 1839: 1839 Milestone — The Treaty of London of 1839, was signed on 19 April 1839 between the major European powers, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Belgium.
5. 1914: 1914 Milestone — Following the German invasion of 1914, Belgium abandoned its policy of neutrality (except for a brief, unsuccessful resumption from 1936 to 1940).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of London (1839)

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of London of 1839 required Belgium to remain perpetually neutral, a guarantee that was later abandoned in 1914.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This is true; Article VII of the treaty mandated perpetual neutrality for Belgium, a policy that was broken by the German invasion in 1914.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Anne Lee Guinness — Historical peer (Born in 1839) (1839): Irish philanthropist known for establishing nursing homes and supporting the poor in Dublin.
• Batman's Treaty — Historical peer (Died in 1839) (1839): An 1835 agreement between John Batman and Wurundjeri/Boonwurrung elders for Port Phillip land.
• Achim von Arnim — Historical peer (Died in 1831) (1831): German Romantic poet and novelist, key figure in German literature.
• Carl von Clausewitz — Historical peer (Died in 1831) (1831): Prussian military theorist whose work, On War, shaped modern strategic thought.
• Angelo Mariani (chemist) — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): French pharmacy technician and entrepreneur, famous for inventing Vin Mariani.
• Auguste Villiers de l'Isle-Adam — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): French symbolist writer known for his literary contributions and aristocratic background.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• A. E. Housman — Historical peer (Died in 1936) (1936): English classicist and poet, renowned for his scholarship and melancholic verse.
• A. S. Byatt — Historical peer (Born in 1936) (1936): Acclaimed English novelist, poet, and critic known for complex literary works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of London (1839)