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Expanded History

History of Luxembourg

From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Luxembourg.

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Overview

After 400 years of domination by various European nations, Luxembourg was granted the status of Grand Duchy by the Congress of Vienna on June 9, 1815. Although Luxembourg considers 1835 (Treaty of London) to be its year of independence, it was not granted political autonomy until 1839 under King William I of the Netherlands, who also was the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. In 1867, Luxembourg was recognized as independent and guaranteed perpetual neutrality. After being occupied by Germany in both World Wars, Luxembourg abandoned neutrality and became a charter member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949. It is also one of the six original members of the European Union, formed in 1951 as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

The present sovereign, Grand Duke Henri, succeeded his father, Grand Duke Jean, on October 7, 2000. Grand Duke Jean announced his decision to abdicate in December 1999, after a 35-year reign.

The national language of Luxembourg is Luxembourgish, a blend of Dutch, old German, and Frankish elements. The official language of the civil service, law, and parliament is French, although criminal and legal debates are conducted partly in Luxembourgish and police case files are recorded in German. German is the primary language of the press. French and German are taught in the schools, with German spoken mainly at the primary level and French at the secondary level.

Historical Eras

The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.

  1. Medieval County

    963 – 1443

    Siegfried of the Ardennes acquired the rock fortress of Lucilinburhuc in 963, founding the County of Luxembourg. The territory grew into a significant feudal power in the Holy Roman Empire, briefly elevated to a duchy in 1354. The era ended when Philip the Good of Burgundy acquired Luxembourg through purchase and conquest, beginning four centuries of foreign domination.

  2. Foreign Domination

    1443 – 1815

    Luxembourg passed successively under Burgundian, Habsburg, Spanish, French, and Austrian rule, serving primarily as a strategic fortress in the heart of Europe. The territory was repeatedly besieged and occupied, earning Vauban's description of Luxembourg as the 'Gibraltar of the North.' French Revolutionary forces annexed it outright in 1795, dissolving its distinct feudal status until the Napoleonic order collapsed.

  3. Grand Duchy Era

    1815 – 1867

    The Congress of Vienna elevated Luxembourg to a Grand Duchy in 1815, placing it in personal union with the Kingdom of the Netherlands under King William I. The Treaty of London in 1839 severed the French-speaking western half of the territory to Belgium, reducing Luxembourg to roughly its present size but granting genuine political autonomy. Luxembourg joined the German Confederation and maintained a Prussian garrison in its fortress.

  4. Independence & Neutrality

    1867 – 1914

    The second Treaty of London in 1867 recognized Luxembourg as a fully independent, perpetually neutral state, dissolved the German Confederation garrison, and ordered the dismantling of the great fortress. In 1890, the personal union with the Netherlands ended upon the accession of Grand Duke Adolphe of the Nassau-Weilburg line, establishing an entirely separate dynasty. The country developed its steel industry in the Minette region, laying foundations for future prosperity.

  5. World Wars Period

    1914 – 1948

    German forces violated Luxembourg's neutrality in both 1914 and 1940, occupying the Grand Duchy throughout each conflict. During World War II, the Nazi regime annexed Luxembourg outright, conscripting Luxembourgers into the Wehrmacht and suppressing the national language. Liberation by Allied forces in 1944 was followed by the Battle of the Bulge scarring the country's Ardennes region; these twin occupations permanently discredited neutrality as a policy.

  6. European Integration

    1948 – present

    Luxembourg abandoned neutrality in 1948 by joining the Benelux Customs Union and became a founding member of NATO in 1949. It was among the six original signatories of the 1951 Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and later a founding member of the European Economic Community in 1957. Luxembourg City became a key seat of EU institutions, and the country adopted the euro in 2002, cementing its identity as a hub of European integration and international finance.

Timeline Preview

The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.

  1. 1867

    Luxembourg gained independence.

    Luxembourg gained independence.

  2. 1890

    Grand Duchy of Luxembourg separated from the Netherlands.

    Grand Duchy of Luxembourg separated from the Netherlands.

  3. 1914 – 1918

    Outbreak of World War I. Luxembourg is occupied by Germany until 1918.

    Outbreak of World War I. Luxembourg is occupied by Germany until 1918.

  4. 1920

    Luxembourg joins the League of Nations.

    Luxembourg joins the League of Nations.

  5. 1921

    Luxembourg enters economic union with Belgium.

    Luxembourg enters economic union with Belgium. The use of the Belgian currency in Luxembourg is permitted.

  6. 1940

    Luxembourg is again occupied by Germany.

    Luxembourg is again occupied by Germany. The occupation lasts for most of World War II, until 1944.

  7. 1948

    Luxembourg abandons its neutrality.

    Luxembourg abandons its neutrality. Forms an economic union with Belgium and the Netherlands.

View full timeline (13 events)
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