close windowNo, on the contrary. Originally, the Flemish Movement was Belgian-patriotic. The first Flamingants were as much as concerned about the neglect of Flemish, as about the future of the new Belgian state. Their writings about the Flemish language, Flemish history and the Flemish people were born from a desire to have Flemishness accepted as a specific component of Belgian culture – a part of Belgian identity – and as something which would stimulate a stronger Belgian national consciousness.