1867 Treaty of London – Luxembourg breaking free

Lecture by Guy Thewes In cooperation with the British-Luxembourg Society

The Treaty of London of 11 May 1867 saved the young Luxembourg state and changed the destiny of the city of Luxembourg. The Great Powers meeting in London declared the Grand Duchy to be perpetually neutral and placed it under their guarantee. Prussia had to withdraw its garrison and the fortress was dismantled. The city was freed from a centuries-old military straitjacket and could finally expand and industrialise. The country's international status was strengthened. The lecture will analyse the causes and consequences of the 1867 crisis. It will also highlight the role played by Great Britain in solving the crisis.