Established Belgian independence and perpetual neutrality, a guarantee whose violation by Germany in 1914 drew Britain into World War I.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 19 April 1839
- Belgian neutrality clause
- Article VII mandated perpetual neutrality
- Predecessor treaty
- Treaty of the XVIII Articles (1831)
- Neutrality abandoned
- Following German invasion of Belgium in 1914
- Luxembourg status
- Full independence of German-speaking Luxembourg established
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1831 Treaty of the XVIII Articles had failed to resolve the status of Belgium after its separation from the Netherlands, as the Netherlands refused to sign. The London Conference of 1838–1839 was convened by the major European powers to settle the dispute and preserve the Concert of Europe.
On 19 April 1839, the major European powers, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Kingdom of Belgium signed the Treaty of London. The agreement formally recognised Belgian independence, guaranteed its perpetual neutrality under Article VII, and established the full independence of the German-speaking part of Luxembourg.
Belgium operated as a neutral state for decades, but Germany's invasion in August 1914 violated the treaty. Britain, as a guarantor power, used this breach as a legal basis to declare war on Germany, drawing it into World War I. Belgium briefly resumed neutrality between 1936 and 1940 before again being invaded.
Political Outcome
Belgium's independence and perpetual neutrality were internationally recognised and guaranteed; Luxembourg's full independence was established.
Belgium's status unresolved; Netherlands refused earlier 1831 settlement
Belgium recognised as fully independent and permanently neutral state