I Mean no Offense by Asking this: Why is Belgium Independent or a Country?

by Aerda_

To my knowledge, there hasn't been any major country in Belgium as we might know it besides Brabant or other minor states. It seems like Belgium has been under foreign rule (the French, Dutch, Austrians and Spanish come to mind) for most of its existence past about 1500, and most of the population speaks French or Dutch.

I could definitely be wrong on any of this, but thank you very much for any responses or corrections.

Searocksandtrees