Background Information
Belgium Coat of Arms
- Capital: Brussels
- Population: 7,662
- Belgium is an northwestern European country that became a Constitutional Monarchy after it declared independence from the Netherlands in 1830
- Its ruler at the time of the Great War was King Albert I
- It is located between two of the world's greatest powers in the 20th century: France and Germany
BEFORE THE WAR
Belgium was one of the few European countries that remained neutral during World War I. It sought to honor the Treaty of London (1839), which guaranteed the neutrality of nearly all the countries that later got involved in the global conflict. In the later decades of the 19th century, Belgium experienced a phase of rapid economic growth and increase in population, acquiring colonies in Central Africa. Regarding the diplomatic crises of the early 20th century, the country remained neutral, focusing on its new African acquisitions and fast-growing industries.
In the decades preceding the Great War, Belgium's foreign relations developed a close relationship with the German government. The ties between the two countries strengthened and immediately before the war, Belgian political and public opinions were remarkably pro-German. However, this new relationship threatened Belgium's neutrality due to its historical ties to both Germany and France. Basically, by strengthening their relations with Germany, Belgium overlooked France, which earned the loyalty of the officers alone.
In the decades preceding the Great War, Belgium's foreign relations developed a close relationship with the German government. The ties between the two countries strengthened and immediately before the war, Belgian political and public opinions were remarkably pro-German. However, this new relationship threatened Belgium's neutrality due to its historical ties to both Germany and France. Basically, by strengthening their relations with Germany, Belgium overlooked France, which earned the loyalty of the officers alone.
German invasion
In spite of their relationship with Germany, on the 24th of July 1914, Belgium announced its neutrality before the conflict. Aware of its localization between Germany and France, the country made a pact with Great Britain, who would come to their aid if necessary. In August of the same year, the Minister of Foreign Relations received a letter from the German government requesting a "peaceful" passage through Belgian territory as a part of the Schlieffen plan. On August 4, a few days after their request was denied, the Germans invaded Belgium, taking over their territory, except for a small northwestern portion. The violent occupation forced 1,500,000 Belgians (20% of the total population) to flee to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France, including King Albert I, who led the troops from the French border town of Nieuport.
Because of its declaration of neutrality and a succession of leaders who neglected the military, the Belgian army was the "least-prepared" of the time, and thus considered irrelevant to the German forces. The country established a military government over Belgium on August 26, 1914. Field Marshal Colmar Freiherr von der Goltz was appointed as military governor.
Thus, the country became the site of several battles between the Central Powers and the Allied Forces. The occupation lasted until November 1918, when the Germans surrendered.
Because of its declaration of neutrality and a succession of leaders who neglected the military, the Belgian army was the "least-prepared" of the time, and thus considered irrelevant to the German forces. The country established a military government over Belgium on August 26, 1914. Field Marshal Colmar Freiherr von der Goltz was appointed as military governor.
Thus, the country became the site of several battles between the Central Powers and the Allied Forces. The occupation lasted until November 1918, when the Germans surrendered.
outcome
Until recently, the brutality of the German army towards the Belgians was dismissed as "British propaganda". However, some recent studies have revealed the real impact of the German occupation of Belgium:
For more information on the effects of World War I in Belgium and other countries, see here.
- Total military casualties: 44,000
- 6,000 civilians were killed by the German army
- 25,000 buildings were destroyed
For more information on the effects of World War I in Belgium and other countries, see here.