Belgium's Resistance: The German Invasion of 1914

The German invasion of Belgium on 4 August 1914 marked a pivotal moment at the outset of World War I. This invasion was part of Germany’s strategic Schlieffen Plan, aimed at quickly defeating France by marching through Belgium and attacking from the rear. The German High Command demanded passage through Belgium, but King Albert I, standing firm on his nation's neutrality, refused. Belgium's commitment to neutrality had been declared on 24 July, and by 31 July, the country had mobilized its armed forces in preparation for potential conflict. Concurrently, Germany declared a state of heightened alert, anticipating the imminent clash.

On 4 August 1914, the German army commenced its invasion, expecting a swift and decisive victory as per the Schlieffen Plan. However, Belgian resistance proved formidable. On 12 August, in the town of Halen, the German Uhlans, light cavalry units armed with lances, attempted a direct charge against well-prepared Belgian forces. The Belgians successfully defended their position, marking one of the early instances of significant resistance against the German advance.

Throughout the invasion, German forces faced unexpected resistance from Belgian civilians. This led to brutal reprisals by the Germans, who executed civilians in towns such as Dinant, Aarschot, and Leuven, under the suspicion of civilian attacks. The destruction extended to cultural landmarks, with buildings set aflame and the University Library at Louvain and Rheims Cathedral suffering significant damage. These actions were driven by the German army’s fear of civilian resistance, which they deemed illegal and deserving of harsh punishment. Consequently, executions, massacres, rapes, and hostage-takings were rampant, leaving a trail of devastation.

By October 1914, the fortress city of Antwerp had fallen to German forces. The beleaguered Belgian Army, significantly weakened, withdrew to a defensive line along the River Yser in the western Flanders region. Here, they dug trenches and held their ground for the remainder of the war, maintaining a stalwart defense until 1918. Meanwhile, the Belgian government operated from Le Havre, France, and King Albert I stayed with his troops in unoccupied Belgium, embodying the nation's resilience and defiance.

The aftermath of World War I saw significant geopolitical changes. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, nullified Belgium’s obligatory neutrality, a condition that had constrained the nation for decades. Additionally, Belgium regained the cantons of Eupen and Malmédy, territories lost in previous conflicts. This treaty not only redrew the map of Europe but also recognized the sacrifices and endurance of the Belgian people during the war.

The German invasion of Belgium not only catalyzed a prolonged and brutal conflict but also highlighted the resolve of a small nation defending its sovereignty against a formidable adversary. Belgium's staunch resistance and the subsequent international repercussions underscore the profound impact of the invasion on the course of World War I and the shaping of post-war Europe.
Belgium's Resistance: The German Invasion of 1914