Why did the School War help the Catholic Party win the Belgian elections of 1884?

The School War was a pivotal conflict that emerged when the Liberal government removed religious instruction from public primary schools, a move that intensified existing tensions regarding the Roman Catholic Church's role in society.12

This policy radicalized the political landscape, as anticlericalism among Liberals often shifted toward antireligiosity, while Catholics increasingly viewed the defense of the church as a primary vehicle for political mobilization. The government's actions fostered deep distrust of the state among Catholics, who responded by successfully establishing their own independent school network.12

This widespread grassroots resistance and the resulting polarization of the electorate culminated in a conservative landslide during the elections of 1884. Consequently, the Catholic Party secured a majority in both chambers of parliament, effectively ending the period of Liberal dominance.12