Brussels+WWI

Brussels in WWI

On August 20, 1914, Belgian troops had retreated out of Brussels and the German army rolled right on through the Belgian border. By 11 a.m. that day the German army reached Brussels to pass through the city.

Germany declared war on France on August 2, 1914. However the only thing separating Germany from France was Belgium. So the German government asked to pass through Belgium to get to France. Everyone was suspicious of the Germans coming through Belgium. However, Germany did say that they would come through peacefully and not take over any major cities.

Belgium sent troops away from borders and cities so that Germany can just enter and leave peacefully. Belgian troops were not large enough and not well trained enough to fight of German troops. When the German troops arrived in Belgium, people were scared that they would occupy their city. The German troops passed through Brussels for thirteen hours. The German army ordered that the citizens of Brussels kept the passing through of their city a secret or violence will be used.

In the end, the mayor of Brussels walked out in front of the soldiers with a white flag. The German leaders told the mayor that no violence will be used as long as no violence is used against them. Brussels was untouched that day and was lucky because that city could have been easily taken over.