Belgium History Question - Was talk of a split ever so serious as now?

Question

Belgium is a ficticious country with two distinct languages and cultures and an array of sub-cultures. Some would say it is amazing this nation has survived almost 200 years.

Since its founding in 1830, has the language of dissent ever been this strong for a separation of Flanders and Wallonia? Please provide specifics if you can.

Hey friends. We're doing good on this, but only Willeke is giving me some of the history I was asking for.

I spoke with a self-proclaimed historian tonight who has verified this. In almost 200 years, the voices of dissent have never been as loud as they are right now.

I'm leaving this open a bit to see if we get any further interesting input. Almost can't wait for Chantalduvelbeer to come in here and spout off. I think she drinks.

Answer 1

I do not know how widespread the problems were in the 1960's and 1970's, but we in the Netherlands often heard about the fights and problems in the part of the country known in Dutch as 'Voerstreek'.
I have searched a bit, here are 2 links in Dutch:
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voerstreek_(historisch-politieke_achtergronden)
http://geschiedenis.vpro.nl/programmas/2899536/afleveringen/34102142/items/34244347/

I remember there was a lot of talk about the situation, but as far as I remember the unity of most of the country was not at risk.
Most people here 'blame' the current king for not being able to keep the people together.

Added:
You would have gotten more response if you had put this in the Belgium - travel section. (But it does not belong there.)

Answer 2

I have heard the arguement "lets take 'vlaanderen' and give 'wallonie' to the french" for ages.

The current unrest can be seen as more serious, due to the anger that keeps growing between both language groups.

As a tourist, i have noted that many of the french speakers, deem speaking flemish(vlaams/ nederlands) beneath them.
To turn it around, the flemish people appear not to care about the french language, and so refuse to understand it.'

I think that this 'conflict' is real enough, but also part of Belgium as a whole.
I love the country, and would hope that they do not really consider a split. Adding Flanders to Holland would be disaster for belgian culture and their character.

Answer 3

i like your description of fictitious!
having visited it many yrs ago, the divide has always been there but no grp wanna split as there r benefits staying together. the present split is not a serious one - its among the politicians which shld be resolved by jan/feb08. just too much ego! and lack of focus