Apparently in 1917, Flemish nationalists declared the independence of the Independent State of Flanders. It was shut down promptly by German officials. But what if the Germans had supported the state? Is a Belgian Civil War after WW1 possible?
If the Germans had supported such a puppet state it would simply have been dissolved as illegitimate when the Allies advance through in late 1918 and the Belgian government was able to resume authority. The ringleaders of the puppet state would probably have fled to Germany.Apparently in 1917, Flemish nationalists declared the independence of the Independent State of Flanders. It was shut down promptly by German officials. But what if the Germans had supported the state? Is a Belgian Civil War after WW1 possible?
If the Germans had supported such a puppet state it would simply have been dissolved as illegitimate when the Allies advance through in late 1918 and the Belgian government was able to resume authority. The ringleaders of the puppet state would probably have fled to Germany.
Just the opposite; Flemish separatism would be tainted as a German idea.Yeah I was figuring that, but what I was thinking was could it encourage Flemish separatism in the near future?
Just the opposite; Flemish separatism would be tainted as a German idea.
A related question. I know religions was surely a factor - I think Flemishes are Catholics traditionaly, and Dutches Protestants (Calvinists?), but is it also cultural?
Correct me if I was wrong since long, but there is no real will of union of Flanders and Netheirland, no?
The sweet taste of independence from Brussels, made all the sweeter by a customs union with the German Reich and edicts from Berlin to be complied with and a German military advisor with power of veto over any proposed legislation.I was thinking about the whole taste of independence thing...
The sweet taste of independence from Brussels, made all the sweeter by a customs union with the German Reich and edicts from Berlin to be complied with and a German military advisor with power of veto over any proposed legislation.
The Dutch are basicly a mixture of protestants and catholics, certainly around the first world war. At that time the catholics were a major force of power in Dutch politics, unlike 100 years before. Culturaly speaking there is a difference between the Dutch and Flemish, but it is small difference. The difference is often exaggerated out of nationalistic sentiments (certainly today), but the difference between a Flemish person and someone from Amsterdam is not bigger than the difference between a Frisian and someone from Amsterdam.A related question. I know religions was surely a factor - I think Flemishes are Catholics traditionaly, and Dutches Protestants (Calvinists?), but is it also cultural?
Correct me if I was wrong since long, but there is no real will of union of Flanders and Netheirland, no?