The Dutch Ten Days' Campaign against Belgium is halted by a French army

Background. Following the Belgian Revolution, no armistice had been signed. King William I believed a successful military campaign would improve his position in future diplomatic negotiations. In 1831, a 50,000-strong Dutch force was built up near the Belgian border in North Brabant. The invasion occurred just days after Leopold I's coronation, marking a belated attempt to reconquer Belgium.

Invasion and Initial Success. The Dutch army, headed by the Dutch princes, invaded Belgium on 2 August 1831. They defeated Belgian forces in several battles, advancing deep into Belgian territory. The Belgians retreated to Turnhout, allowing the Dutch to set up camp. On 4 August, the Dutch force took control of Antwerp and moved deeper into Belgium.

French Intervention. The Dutch had taken a risk by invading without allied support, as Russia and Prussia were unable to assist. The French agreed to send reinforcements to assist the Belgians under Marshal Étienne Gérard. Gérard crossed the border with 70,000 French troops on 9 August. Rather than fight the French, the Dutch withdrew from Belgium.

Withdrawal and Aftermath. The last Dutch troops returned to the Netherlands around 20 August, whilst only Antwerp remained occupied. Although the Dutch population rejoiced over the campaign, King William reluctantly accepted that his dream of a United Netherlands was lost. The military confrontation effectively ended later when the French besieged Antwerp in 1832.