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Brussels-Charleroi Canal article edits/additions:

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"Life Around the Canal"

As Belgian industry began to flourish in the city of Brussels, the land surrounding the canal became increasingly important and diverse. Two very prominent trade routes crossed paths in the valley of Brussels along the waterways, bringing in large numbers of merchants to lower Brussels. One of the major trade routes was from the Rhineland to Flanders, while the other one was from Antwerp to Wallonia. This area along the water was a booming marketplace crucial to the up-rise of urbanization, and in turn modernization of the city. After a period of rapid industrialization that took place sometime between the 1750's and 1780's, life around the canal expanded at very high rates. The canal was state of the art; the connection of waterways and roads allowed this area to become a center of activity. The growth of international and domestic trade coupled with an increase in capital investment from wealthy landowners and merchants produced tons of jobs in the canal area. After this, the city showed no signs of slowing down on its journey to becoming one of the most influential cities in all of Europe. By 1930, Brussels population was up to over 200,000, compared to an estimated 65,000 in the year 1700. During the early 1980’s, the 25 neighborhoods around the canal were home to one fifth of Brussels population. The surrounding area holds a sense of youth, as it contributes to Brussels having the youngest population of any city in Belgium. The effects of this mass migration to the lower valley in Brussels can be seen in the diversity of cultures. As the trade economy along the waterways continued to grow, immigrants from all over Europe came to benefit off of the booming industries. It has been estimated that the population of immigrants grew from 7% of the total population in the early 1960's to 56% of the total population in the early 2000's. Throughout Brussels history, life centered around the canal has been high energy and progressive. Political issues involving powerful European nations throughout history surely had an effect on the city as a whole, but through thick and thin the canal zone remained the heart and soul of the city dominated by no single culture.