Why Belgium Celebrates July 21
Why does Belgium celebrate its National Day on July 21? The answer reaches back to a ceremony in Brussels in 1831, when the country’s first king promised to uphold its Constitution.
Belgium’s path to that day began in 1830. At the time, the area was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. After a revolution broke out, Belgian leaders declared independence on October 4, 1830. Independence meant that Belgium would govern itself rather than be ruled as part of that kingdom.
The new country also needed a plan for its government. A national congress wrote a constitution, a set of basic rules describing how the country would be governed and protecting certain rights. The congress chose a constitutional monarchy: a system with a king whose powers are limited by the Constitution.
On July 21, 1831, Leopold I took an oath, or solemn promise, to uphold the Constitution. The ceremony took place in a square in Brussels called Place Royale. Belgium’s flag, with vertical bands of black, yellow, and red, was a symbol of the new nation. Leopold’s oath marked the start of his reign as Belgium’s first king.
- revolution:
- A major change in government, often brought about by people rising against those in power.
- declared:
- Announced something officially.
- uphold:
- To support and follow a rule or promise.
- vertical:
- Going straight up and down.
- symbol:
- Something that stands for an idea, group, or nation.
- reign:
- The period when a king or queen rules.
- ceremonies:
- Formal events held to mark important occasions.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why does Belgium celebrate National Day on July 21?
- 2How did Belgium’s relationship with the United Kingdom of the Netherlands change in 1830?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Why Belgium Celebrates July 21” is a explanatory article reading passage about Belgium's National Day, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (264 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.