militarism
Since it relied on the Treaty of London (1839), Belgium did not have a significant army, or weapon technology. It was greatly due to king Albert I and his predecessor, king Leopold II, that the country had a military organization.
After going through a series of reforms that tried to copy the major German counterpart, in July 1914, the Belgium army consisted of 190,000 men. They only had 93,000 rifles and 6,000 swords at their disposition for use in battles. In December 1914, after the German invasion, king Albert ordered modern artillery from the Germany company Krupp, which delayed the delivery. Since it had the "least prepared" army in Europe, Germany considered it irrelevant and the invasion of the country was rapidly successful.
After going through a series of reforms that tried to copy the major German counterpart, in July 1914, the Belgium army consisted of 190,000 men. They only had 93,000 rifles and 6,000 swords at their disposition for use in battles. In December 1914, after the German invasion, king Albert ordered modern artillery from the Germany company Krupp, which delayed the delivery. Since it had the "least prepared" army in Europe, Germany considered it irrelevant and the invasion of the country was rapidly successful.
Battle of Liège
- August 5 to 16, 1914
- Considered the first land battle of the war
- Germans: General von Bulow
- Belgians: General Leman
It was the German's initial attempt to invade Belgium, as a part of the Schlieffen plan. They needed to take the city of Liège and its twelve forts in order to enter the country effectively.
After suffering unexpected heavy losses on the first day, the German army changed its course of action and dropped bombs directly in the city of Liège, taking it quickly. However, in spite of being outnumbered, the Belgian army position in the forts upheld its position until August 16.
siege of Namur
- August 20 to 23, 1914
- Germans: General von Bulow
- Belgians: 4th divisions Michel
After the Battle of Liège, the Germans turned their attention to Namur. Greatly outnumbered, the Belgians awaited French troops to help defending their territory. However, aware of that, the Germans launched an attack at the French at Charleroi to divert their attention. After only one regiment of infantry came to rescue the Belgians, the Germans repeated their Liège strategy and heavily bombed the forts: Namur fell within 3 days.
Battle of Yser
- October 18 to 29, 1914
- Germans: Duke Albrecht
- Belgians: Colonel Alphonse Jacques (French)
Belgium's successful defense of the the Yser Canal made King Albert a national hero. The Canal was a natural obstacle to German advance, and so, the Belgians formed a strong defense of the site. With the aid of British warships, the Germans were forced to withdraw to Oostende. However, on the 22nd of October they were able to cross the canal in small groups, unnoticed and without the firing of a single weapon, forcing the Belgians to retreat to the Nieuwpoort railway. After three days and receiving French reinforcements, the Belgians, under the orders of King Albert, flooded the area between the Canal and the Nieuwpoort railway, making the German forces retreat on 29 of October.
The region stayed in Belgian control during the entire war.