Leopold I Biography

Elected to the throne after the creation of an independent Belgium

Succeeds as King of Belgium

The "perpetual neutrality" of Belgium is guaranteed by the major powers, including Prussia, at the London Conference of 1838-39

The "perpetual neutrality" of Belgium is guaranteed by the major powers, including Prussia, at the London Conference of 1838-39

Under the new constitution free association & public meetings become citizens rights

Opens the public railway between Brussels and Mechelen.

Inaugurates the first steam passenger railway on continental Europe.

Railway links improve Bruges connections with the rest of Belgium.

Accepts treaty provisions requiring Belgian and Dutch commissioners to mark the agreed frontier.

The final London settlement recognises Belgium as independent and perpetually neutral under the guarantee of the five Great Powers.

Accepts the territorial settlement dividing Limburg between Belgium and the Netherlands.

Accepts the partition of Luxembourg, with a substantial western part remaining within Belgium.

Accepts Belgium's obligation to remain an independent and perpetually neutral state.

Receives final international recognition of Belgium as a separate kingdom under the London settlement.

Receives treaty provisions governing free navigation of the Scheldt and joint supervision of its channel.

Accepts mutual renunciation of claims to territories assigned to the Netherlands under the final settlement.

Accepts the definitive settlement recognising Belgian independence, fixing borders and placing the kingdom under guaranteed permanent neutrality.