The revival of the port of Antwerp in the early 19th century : a financial analysis of public works in the period of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands (1815-1830)

After the Golden Age of Antwerp in the 16th century, the separation of the Low Countries and the so-called Closure of the Scheldt, Antwerp’s port activity stagnated during more than two centuries. The changing geo-political situation after the French Revolution and the effects of the Industrial Revolution started a second boom of the port in the nineteenth century. A first period of growth was the reign of king William I in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, which re-united Northern and Southern Netherlands for a period of 15 years. The disappearance of the political boundaries between Northern and Southern Low Countries opened up new commercial perspectives. Merchants and entrepreneurs were attracted to Antwerp, which was to become a serious competitor for the established Dutch ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Antwerp was attractive due to its good location and its comparatively cheap port duties. The Antwerp city government seized the opportunities of the new situation and started an ambitious public building policy. Two new docks were habilitated in the north of the city, the quais of the port and the river Scheldt were paved and the port infrastructure was adapted. In the city, streets were paved and illuminated by means of gas. At the same time the city witnessed an optimistic spirit of renewal, eager to regain its former glory. The cathedral and other public buildings were renovated and splendid new theaters and school buildings were built. In this paper I analyze the financial policy of the Antwerp municipality during the first years of commercial revival of the Antwerp port. By means of the surveys of municipal budgets and accounts I focus on the challenges of reducing the heavy public debt accumulated during the previous centuries, establishing new forms of taxation and port duties, and tackling new building projects which should prepare the port and the city for a new commercial spring. This policy was the outcome of negotiations of the members of the municipal government with interest groups within the city as well as with the representatives of the central government and representations of merchants and other entrepreneurs, such as the Chamber of Commerce, about financial priorities, legal frameworks and commercial concerns, which will be documented by means of an analysis of the debates in the town council.

ISBN:9782753579798

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