The Low Countries 1871 CE

What is happening in The Low Countries in 1871CE

The Netherlands have become a truly constitutional monarchy, with the powers of the monarch severely limited and power vested in an elected parliament. In terms of religion, the country is one of the most tolerant in Europe.

Belgium is also a constitutional monarchy. Both Belgium and the Netherlands are amongst the most industrialized countries in Europe, and both have comprehensive railway networks. The Dutch have been building up their merchant shipping and overseas trade, particularly their commercial links with their East Indian possessions.

The little country of Luxembourg was internationally recognized as an independent Grand Duchy in 1867, as a resolution to a diplomatic spat between Prussia, France and the Netherlands which nearly led to war. The office of Grand Duke is held by the King of the Netherlands, but Luxembourg is treated very much as its own state.

Next map, the Low Countries in 1914