The Age of Restoration

On March 1, 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte managed to escape from the island of Elba, where he was exiled after his defeat by the allies. He sailed with a ship carrying about 1000 men, consisting of his loyal soldiers from the Elba garrison, and headed to France. Napoleon then started his march towards Paris. King Louis XVIII sent an army to intercept him, but the army decided to join Napoleon instead. He regained control without firing a single shot.
Period: The Napoleonic Wars

From April 10 to 15, 1815, Mount Tambora in Indonesia experienced one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. The eruption killed tens of thousands of people on Sumbawa and neighboring islands, both directly through lava and tsunamis, and indirectly due to starvation. It released massive amounts of volcanic ash into the stratosphere, reflecting sunlight away from Earth. This caused a global temperature drop of 0.4 - 0.7 degrees and disrupted weather patterns. Cooler temperatures led to crop failures and food shortages. In June, July, and August, frosts and snowfall were reported in many regions, including North America and Europe, leading to what became known as "The Year Without a Summer." These events, combined with the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, created significant challenges in Europe.

On June 9, 1815, the Congress of Vienna signed its final act, which played a crucial role in establishing a lasting peace and redrawing the map of Europe. As part of the agreement, France was restored to its 1792 borders, while the Austrian Netherlands, Dutch Republic, and former Prince-Bishopric of Liège were unified to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The German Confederation (Deutscher Bund) was also created as a replacement for the Holy Roman Empire, which had been dissolved. Additionally, Prussia gained significant territories, Austria was compensated with Lombardy and Venetia, regained control of Tyrol and Salzburg, and various Italian states were resolved. Poland was reconstructed as an independent kingdom, although it remained under Russian influence. Lastly, the Scandinavian borders were redrawn, and Norway entered into a union with Sweden.
Period: The Napoleonic Wars

n the year 1815, Napoleon escaped from his exile on the island of Elba and regained control of France. He formulated a plan to attack the coalition forces in Belgium before they could unite and fight back. The coalition consisted of Allied Britain, with mainly British and Dutch troops, and Prussia. On the 18th of June 1815, Napoleon engaged in a battle with the coalition. Unfortunately, the coalition proved to be too strong and Napoleon was defeated once again.
Period: The Napoleonic Wars

On June 22, 1815, Napoleon abdicated for the second time. He wanted his son, Napoleon II, to succeed him, but instead the Bourbons were reinstated to the throne. Napoleon was then exiled to Saint Helena.
Period: The Napoleonic Wars

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's second abdication, the second Treaty of Paris was signed on November 20, 1815. The Congress of Vienna was called to put an end to the Napoleonic Wars, but Napoleon managed to escape from his exile and regain power. However, he was eventually defeated at the Battle of Waterloo, which marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The Second Treaty of Paris played a definite role in bringing an end to this era of conflict.
Period: The Napoleonic Wars

On August 25, 1830, a wave of patriotism sparked street demonstrations and riots at the Opera "La Muette de Portici" in Brussels. The protesters targeted government buildings, symbols of Dutch authority, and the properties of affluent Dutch merchants.
Period: The Belgian Revolution

In response to the surge of patriotism and riots, King William I dispatched Dutch troops to Brussels to suppress the uprising. Yet, the revolutionaries put up a strong fight, and after several days of intense street battles, the Dutch forces had to retreat. By September 26, the rebels had formed a provisional government.
Period: The Belgian Revolution

On October 4, 1830, the provisional government officially declared Belgium's independence. This declaration, made on behalf of the Belgian people, sought to cut all political ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Period: The Belgian Revolution

The Asiatic Cholera Pandemic was a cholera pandemic that originated in India and spread across Western Asia to Russia, Europe, the Americas, as well as China and Japan. The first pandemic occurred from 1817 to 1824, and it is believed to have persisted in Asia for a period of time before re-emerging in 1831. It is thought that the pandemic reached Europe and the Baltic region via Russia, as soldiers were transported to Poland and Prussia. The Asiatic Cholera has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

In an attempt to regain control over Belgium, King William I launched a military campaign known as the Ten Days' Campaign. From August 2 to 12, Dutch forces invaded Belgium and achieved several military successes. However, the French intervention on behalf of Belgium forced the Dutch to withdraw and make agreements with Belgium.
Period: The Belgian Revolution

After the initial elections to form a National Congress tasked with creating a new constitution for independent Belgium, the major powers of Europe (Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) gathered at the London Conference. Their goal was to mediate between Belgium and the Netherlands, aiming to maintain stability in Europe following the turbulent Napoleonic Wars.
Period: The Belgian Revolution

On April 19, 1839, the Treaty of London was signed, officially recognizing the agreements made in 1831. Belgium became an acknowledged independent and neutral state, in exchange for giving up certain territories and demilitarizing specific areas.
Period: The Belgian Revolution