Powiązania polsko-belgijskie po powstaniu listopadowym

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING of the process of shaping relations between Poles and Belgians, i.e. from the 11th century, they were of a friendly and multi-level character. Though both nations were undoubtedly remote from each other, they were able to penetrate and affect each other within the space of centuries. The 19th century was a crucial period for both nations. In this time, thanks to the November Uprising in Poland, Russia resigned from her plans to intervene in Belgium. The aid of Polish officers had the enormous significance for the build-up of the Belgian army and the young Belgian statehood in general. Specialists point out the similarity of experiences at the earlier stage of history – at the end of 18th century Belgians cast off the Austria yoke and Poles organized the Insurrection under the command of Tadeusz Kościuszko. At the end of 18th century Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia and Austria and Belgian territories were annexed by revolutionary France. Polish emigration to Belgium in 19th century, even though not so numerous but with diverse charakter, had a great influence on Polish-Belgian relation. Many Poles created there their own history and affected the development of Belgium.