Austrian Netherlands

The Austrian Netherlands refers to a historically significant region that includes present-day Belgium and Luxembourg. From 1714 to 1795, it was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, specifically under Austrian control after the War of the Spanish Succession. This period was marked by efforts to centralize administration and improve the economy, but it also faced resistance from local populations seeking autonomy. The Austrian Netherlands was absorbed into France during the Revolutionary Wars, ending Habsburg rule and significantly influencing the region’s subsequent history. This context is important for understanding Belgium's cultural and political complexities today.