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Overview:
Charleroi, Belgium - The importance of
Charleroi as an industrial center became obvious when in the
beginning of the 19th century a canal was built between Brussels
and Charleroi. Via this canal the industrial production of the
black country could be transported via the capital to the harbor
of Antwerp and other parts of the country. The industrial
produce was based on three pillars: iron, glass and coal.
Already in the late Middle-Ages this production existed, albeit
on a pre-industrial scale. Both the iron industry and, later (as
from 1669), also the glass factories profited from the presence
of coal-mines in the Charleroi area.
Charleroi was founded
in 1666, which is relatively late compared to the other
cities in Belgium. The Spanish who ruled the Low Countries in
the 17th century built a fortification close to the village of
Charnoy. This fortification was meant to keep the troops of the
imperialist French king Louis XIV out of the Spanish
possessions. The star-shaped stronghold received the name CHARLE-ROY
(after the Spanish king Charles II). However, in 1667-1678
the French took the new city and expanded it. Already then, the
difference between upper and lower city was made.
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