Belgian independence was approved by the European powers at the London Conference of 1830. In 1831, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was chosen king of the Belgians and became Leopold I. Belgium was among the first countries in Europe to develop railways, engineering and exploited coal. In accordance with the rule of Leopold II rapid industrialization and colonial expansion, particularly in Congo, were accompanied by disturbances of work and growth of the Socialist Party.
After the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, Germany invaded Belgium in order to attack France by the easiest way. Belgian Army under the leadership of Albert I, fought in West Flanders and France throughout the war. In accordance with the Treaty of Versailles after the war, Belgium received strategically important positions. In the World War II, Germany attacked and occupied Belgium in 1940. On 28 May, King Leopold III surrendered, but the Belgian government continued to oppose Germany.
In December 1981, the Christian Democrat-Liberal coalition, under the leadership of Wilfried Martens, came to power in Belgium. The prime minister noted unpopular economic reforms, the cause of overthrowing the government in 1987. A year later, however, a new coalition government took control again led by Martens, which was composed of Flemish and Walloon (Socialist Party), Christian Social Party and Flemish Party Volksunie.