Belgium–United States relations

Belgian – American relations

Belgium	United States
Diplomatic mission
Belgian Embassy, Washington, D.C.	United States Embassy, Brussels

The United States and Belgium maintain a friendly bilateral relationship. Continuing to celebrate cooperative U.S. and Belgian relations, 2007 marked the 175th anniversary of the nations' relationship.

According to the 2021 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 41% of Belgians approve of U.S. leadership, with 36% disapproving and 23% uncertain.^[1]

History

Before World War I

Prior to 1830, Belgium was part of the Dutch Republic, which colonized much of the northeastern coast of North America during the 17th Century (see New Netherland, New Netherland settlements). As part of this (ultimately failed) colonial project, many Belgians settled in what would become the United States during the 1600s.

During the American Revolutionary War many of the aforementioned Belgian settlers in North America fought in the Continental Army.

In 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. During the ensuing Belgian Revolution, France helped Belgium gain its independence. The United States recognized Belgium as an independent country on January 6, 1832.^[2] An American legation headed by Hugh S. Legaré arrived in Brussels that same year.^[2] The U.S., Britain and other major countries demanded Belgium pay cash indemnities from Belgium for property damages incurred during its Revolution of 1830. American merchants lost $151,000. Belgium stalled for years and finally paid in 1842 after increasing threats from Washington about penalizing trade.^[3]

Most of the routine diplomacy, and assistance in trade matters, was handled by the chargé d'affaires in Belgium:

U.S. and Belgian soldiers fought together during the Siege of the International Legations in 1900, part of the larger Boxer Rebellion in China (1899-1901).

World War I (1914–1918)

When

The U.S. legation in Brussels was elevated to the status of an embassy on October 3, 1919.[10]

World War II (1939–1945)

John Cudahy, wealthy scion of a Wisconsin meatpacking enterprise, in 1940 became Franklin Roosevelt's ambassador to Belgium. He developed a close personal friendship with King Leopold III. Germany forced his recall. He denounced Britain, France and the U.S. for a failure to plan an adequate defense. He became an embarrassment to Washington, which was officially neutral.^[11]

U.S. troops helped to liberate Belgium from German occupation along with British troops, Canadian troops, and members of the Belgian Resistance.^[12] According to Pieter Lagrou, American policy after the Nazis were driven out focused on creating political stability and helping Allied military operations. Washington ignored the fierce ideological debates in Belgium, focusing on whether the King was wise or traitorous in his dealings with the Nazis. Washington and London were neutral on the Royal question, but US Ambassador Charles Sawyer mistrusted the king and the Catholic parties. He saw significant dangers to democracy from those elements and therefore supported the left-wing coalition government headed by the socialists.^[13]

Cold War (1947–1991)

Belgium received aid from the United States through the

According to Frank Gerits, Washington used the diplomats at the embassy and especially the facilities of the

The U.S. appreciates Belgian activism in international affairs, including its participation in the

The Embassy of Belgium in Washington, D.C. is the

The United States operates an embassy in Brussels while maintaining separate missions to the European Union and to NATO.^[19]

See also

• Belgian Americans
• US–EU relations
• European Union–NATO relations

References