Flemish Movement

Regionalist movement in Flanders, Belgium Flemish strijdvlag as adopted by large parts of the Flemish Movement The Flemish Movement (Dutch: Vlaamse Beweging, pronounced [ˈvlaːmsə bəˈʋeːɣɪŋ]) is an umbrella term which encompasses various political groups in the Belgian region of Flanders and, less commonly, in French Flanders. Ideologically, it encompasses groups which have sought to promote Flemish culture and the Dutch language as well as those seeking greater political autonomy for Flanders within Belgium. It also encompasses nationalists who seek the secession of Flanders from Belgium, either through outright independence or unification with the Netherlands. In the 19th century, the Flemish Movement emerged around a form of cultural patriotism which celebrated the regional traditions and history of Flanders and sought equal status for Dutch in the Belgian nation-state, often under the auspices of the Catholic Church. Although gaining a number of its initial objectives, it became increasingly radical in the aftermath of World War I. Inspired by authoritarian and fascist politics, it was widely discredited for its collaboration in German-occupied Belgium during World War