International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

Extract

The long tradition of revolt and protest in Luxembourg extends from the country's domination by the Spanish Hapsburgs (1556–1684), France (1684–97), Spain (1697–1714), Austria (1714–95), and France again in 1795 during the French revolutionary wars. Under French rule Luxembourg was divided and a Constitution of the Directory was imposed, in addition to a modern state bureaucracy. Finally in 1798, after conscription laws required Luxembourgers to enter the French army, they revolted. Because the rebellion was led by Luxembourg's lower class, it was referred to as “the peasants war,” or “the war of the cudgels” (Klppelkrieg). Luxembourgian peasants courageously resisted their adversaries, but, without sufficient arms, military expertise, or the support of the upper class and noble Luxembourgers, they were easily defeated. In response, France executed all those peasants who had participated in the revolt. In 1815, after the fall of Napoleon I , Luxembourg became the independent Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with William I of the Netherlands serving as grand duke. In 1830, after long suffering the heavy tax burdens of William I, Luxembourg allied with Belgium in revolt against the Netherlands. This would eventually lead to the First Treaty of London in 1839, granting Belgium independence, and severing western and eastern Luxembourg, allowing for increased autonomy. In 1867, the Second ... log in or subscribe to read full text