Luxembourg

In 963, nobleman Siegfried signed a charter with the Saint Maximin Abbey in Trier to acquire a promontory overlooking a river, leading to the natural development of the first small castle. The strategic location of the promontory, close to water and on a major trade route, made Luxembourg a popular settlement.

Luxembourg City was founded around the year 1000.

On July 11, 1346, Charles IV of Luxembourg was elected as the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

In 1443, Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, seized Luxembourg by surprise, marking a turning point in its history. This event led to a new era for the city as it became part of the territory of the Netherlands and faced challenges from rival powers.

In 1598, Philip II of Spain bequeathed Luxembourg and the other Low Countries to his daughter, the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, and her husband Albert VII, Archduke of Austria. This marked a significant transfer of power and ownership in the region.

Louis XIV of France invaded Luxembourg in 1684, causing alarm among France's neighbors and leading to the formation of the League of Augsburg in 1686. The subsequent War of the Grand Alliance resulted in France giving up the duchy, which was returned to the Habsburgs by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697.

The United States officially recognized Luxembourg as a country in 1776.

In 1794, the French forces initiated the Siege of Luxembourg, marking the start of a military operation to capture the city.

The Siege of Luxembourg concluded on June 7, 1795, signifying the end of the military conflict and the city's liberation from the French forces.

Adolphe, also known as Adolf Wilhelm August Karl Friedrich, was born in Biebrich Palace, Wiesbaden. He served as the Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1890 to 1905.

The constitutional charter of 1841 granted political stability to Luxembourg, allowing the country to continue its state-building and nation-building efforts. This charter played a crucial role in shaping Luxembourg's governance and identity.

In May 1867, a compromise was reached in London where Prussia had to withdraw its garrison from Luxembourg, the fort would be dismantled, and Luxembourg would become an independent nation.

The United States officially acknowledged Luxembourg as a sovereign nation in 1877.

Michel Théato, a Luxembourgian athlete who won an Olympic gold medal representing France in the marathon event in 1900, was born in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. He passed away in 1923.

Hugo Gernsback, a Luxembourg-born American inventor and science fiction writer who established the Hugo Awards, was born in Luxembourg. He passed away in 1967.

Robert Schuman, a Luxembourg-born French statesman who served as the Prime Minister of France from 1947 to 1948, was born in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. He passed away in 1963.

In 1890, the city became a part of the independent Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Nicolas Frantz, a Luxembourgish road cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1927 and 1928, was born in Mamer, Capellen, Luxembourg. He passed away in 1985.

Marie-Adélaïde, the eldest daughter of Guillaume IV, ascended to the throne as the first reigning Grand Duchess of Luxembourg in 1912.

On August 2, 1914, German forces overthrew the government in Luxembourg, leading to the occupation of the country.

Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was born in Berg Castle, Luxembourg. He reigned as the Grand Duke from 1964 to 2000 and passed away in 2019.

Jean Benoît Guillaume Robert Antoine Louis Marie Adolphe Marc d'Aviano, also known as Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was born in Berg Castle, Luxembourg. He reigned as the Grand Duke from 1964 to 2000 and passed away in 2019.

Gaston Thorn, the 20th Prime Minister of Luxembourg (1974–79) and 7th President of the European Commission (1981–85), was born in Luxembourg. He passed away in 2007.

Luxembourg declared its neutrality and issued an official proclamation on 6 September 1939 at the beginning of World War II.

German armed forces invaded Luxembourg on 10 May 1940, leading to the exile of the Luxembourgish government and monarchy.

On September 9, 1944, the Allied forces successfully liberated Luxembourg from German occupation during World War II.

On February 7, 1945, the US 76th and 5th Infantry divisions crossed the Sauer river near Echternach, Luxembourg, and breached the Siegfried Line during World War II.

In 1952, Luxembourg was chosen as the provisional headquarters of the first European Community, the Coal and Steel Community. This decision marked the beginning of Luxembourg's role as one of the three headquarters of the European Union.

Henri, the current Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was born in Castle Betzdorf, Betzdorf, Luxembourg.

Luxembourg played a significant role in the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, which later evolved into the European Union.

On July 19, 1958, Luxembourg cyclist Charly Gaul emerged victorious in the 45th Tour de France, showcasing his exceptional cycling skills and endurance.

On March 18, 1961, Jean-Claude Pascal represented Luxembourg and won the 6th Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Nous les amoureux' in Cannes, showcasing Luxembourg's musical talent on an international stage.

Jean ascends to the position of Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

Patricia R. Harris becomes the first African American woman to be appointed as the US ambassador to Luxembourg.

Guillaume, the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was born in Luxembourg City on November 11, 1981.

Alexandra of Luxembourg, daughter of Henri Grand Duke of Luxembourg, was born in Luxembourg City on February 16, 1991.

Luxembourg assumed an active role in the European Union (EU) when it was created in 1993, hosting EU administrative offices and contributing prominent figures like Prime Ministers Jacques Santer and Jean-Claude Juncker.

Andy Schleck from Luxembourg emerges as the champion of the 97th Tour de France.

In July 2013, Luxembourg's ruling coalition was toppled when the LSAP withdrew its support for Juncker due to a scandal involving illegal activity by the country's intelligence service.

In December 2013, DP leader Xavier Bettel was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Luxembourg after the LSAP formed a ruling coalition with the Democratic Party and the Greens.

Luxembourg sets a milestone by becoming the first country to offer free public transport services to its citizens.