Although Belgium has only been an independent state since the 1830s it has a long and complex past. This history is essential for understanding the complexities of issues that led to a devolution of the unitary Belgian state into a federation of linguistically based regions. In addition to the elements that contributed to Belgiums particular political evolution the history which is traced in this book is a composite of many themes of broad historical interest and importance. Belgium A History covers the gamut of Belgian history through dramas of religious and cultural conflict intense localism state building uneven development divergent class interests war and domination and finally integration into a larger European community.