Comments on the MID 2.1 Dataset and its Transformation to Dyadic MID Data DYADMID1.1 1 Zeev Maoz Department of Political Science University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 E-Mail: zmaoz@ucdavis.edu The following comments reflect proposed changes in the MID 2.1 dataset based on reading of historical material. They are listed in random order. 1. Dispute #370, "Belgian Independence," 1830. This is the Belgian independence dispute. Ac- tors listed in this dispute are Prussia, Russia vs. France, with Prussia displaying force by moving troops, Russia and France, threatening to intervene each on a different side of the dispute. However, the key actor in the dispute, the Netherlands, does not show up in the dispute. Here is some evidence about its participation. Between the Congress of Vienna and the revolution in France on July 27-29 1830, Franco-Prussian relations were reasonably peaceful. However, the replacement of Charles X, the ultra-conservative king, by Louis Phillipe by a popular movement of liberal reformists, ignited nationalist and liberal sentiments in neighboring Belgium. On August 25, a popular uprising took place in Brussels, with liberal nationalists setting up barricades in the City and demanding secession of Belgium from the Netherlands. This confronted the major powers with a major problem given their commitment to preserve the old monarchic order in Europe. However, the new liberal regime in France—and to a lesser extent Great Britain—developed a strong commitment to the Belgian demand. As Albrecht- Carrie (1958: 33) notes, “The Dutch ruler…appealed to his legitimate brother rulers—all, that is, but the French—for assistance in putting down the rebellion. Tsar Nicholas was most responsive: … he was prepared to send troops; the Prussian King was not unfavorable, but both he and the tsar eventually insisted that action must be collective.” The new king in France was confronted by strong interventionist sentiments at home in support of the Belgian claim of independence. Accordingly, the Prussian army entered a state of alert, in preparation for a possibly collective intervention. From a Prussian perspective, the Belgian revolution created a new status quo that rendered Prussia highly dissatisfied with the course of affairs, partly due to fear of a spillover effect of a revolutionary liberal process that started in France and already threatened the unity of the Netherlands. Moreover, a Plea by the Dutch King to Prussia hinted to the possibility that the new state might become a de facto protectorate of France. Given the support of the tsar for a Prusso-Russian intervention, the Prussian King felt that they had the capability to deter the French and help restore the Dutch hold over Belgium, possibly also reversing the course of events in revolutionary France (Treitschke [1915], 1968: 48). There was also a possibility that, at the very least, France would be deterred from aiding the Belgians. 1 Second edition of this document, includes changes and additions for the dyadic MID dataset, version 1.1 DYADMID1.1, January 22, 2001.