April 10 - 15, 1815
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.
The Age of Restoration
After the Napoleonic Wars and preceding Revolutionary Wars, Europe suffered significant damage. In this era, nations began to recover materially and economically. However, the French rule and revolutions transformed the political landscape, ending traditional (feudal) systems. Additionally, it empowered individuals to make their voices heard. The era of revolution and the pursuit for democracy were far from over.
The Age of Restoration
Following the revolution and wars, Europe entered a challenging period of rebuilding. Countries worked to restore their economies and return to everyday life. However, the end of the Napoleonic Wars coincided with the massive eruption of Mount Tambora, which led to global weather changes. This affected agriculture and resulted in widespread starvation. Meanwhile, revolutions persisted in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Belgium, keeping peace at bay.
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1815
10 /4
The Eruption of Mount Tambora
Geological / environmental event -
1826
1837
The Asiatic Cholera Pandemic
Plague / Epidemic1826 - 1837
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.
The Belgian Revolution
1830 1839
After Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat in 1815, the Congress of Vienna merged the northern and southern provinces into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, this union struggled with cultural, religious, and economic differences. The north was mainly Dutch-speaking and Protestant, while the south was French-speaking and mostly Catholic. These tensions sparked the Belgian Revolution, resulting in the southern provinces breaking away to form the independent Kingdom of Belgium.
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1830
25 /8
The Opera Performance
Political eventAugust 25, 1830
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. -
1830
26 /9
The Formation of the Provisional Government
Political eventSeptember 26, 1830
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. -
1830
4 /10
The Declaration of Independence of Belgium
Political eventOctober 4, 1830
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. -
1830
1 /11
The London Conference
Political eventNovember 1830 - January 1831
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. -
1831
2 /8
The Ten Days' Campaign
Political eventAugust 2 to 12, 1831
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. -
1839
19 /4
The Treaty of London
Political eventApril 19, 1839
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.
Àyrngáer is a visual story- and worldbuilding project by Zev Chafer, aka Vincent Jongman. The characters and their writings are fictional, but can discuss real life- and autobiographical topics. All artworks and texts are handmade (unless stated otherwise) and created by Vincent Jongman, published with the pseudonym Zev Chafer. You are not allowed to use, copy, sell or distribute this content without the consent of the author/creator.
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