WORLD WAR 1 CAUSATION
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World War 1 Causation
Among the many causes of the First World War was the alliance made between nations. These treaties ensured that a nation was not alone in times of war, as it would be assisted by its ally. Belgium was neutral in the war but it had formed an alliance with Britain. Germany failed to respect Belgium’s neutrality when it invaded it. It depended on the Schlieffen Plan, which it had developed in case it was ever involved in two front wars on the east with Russia and on the west with France. The plan was to concentrate its troops to the west, as it would be able to defeat France easily, while the rest of the troops held Russia.[1] To do this, it would have to pass through Belgium. Germany encountered such a situation during the First World War and it intended to implement the plan. However, it did expect any resistance from Belgium. Belgium acted in self-defense when it chose to defend its sovereignty and its neutrality.
Belgium was determined to honor its international obligations, by adhering to the treaty it had made in 1839. It felt that it would be safe in case of an attack because it had friendly allies.[2] However, it was ready to defend its territory. In a speech delivered to the Belgian parliament, King Albert 1 noted that the country would resist every foreigner who violated its territory and he called on every person to do his public duty.[3] Germany had requested Belgium for free passage for her troops to France. In its letter to Belgium, Germany noted that France wanted to access it through Belgium. Germany also noted that it would leave Belgium once it concluded its mission and peace was realized. It asserted that it would consider Belgium an enemy if the country opposed it in any way.[4]
Belgium was ready to defend itself despite the limitations it faced. The country was smaller compared to its neighbors and it had a diminutive and poorly trained army. Britain became involved in the war, after Germany invaded Belgium. This followed the treaty that Belgium and Britain had made and Britain felt obliged to honor its promise. It had requested Germany to honor the neutrality of Belgium, to which Germany did not give a satisfactory answer. The invasion of Belgium compelled Britain to act, as it had to ensure that it protected Belgium.[5]
Germany had no right to violate and disregard the sovereignty of Belgium. It had discouraged Belgium from allowing French troops to pass, yet it wanted to do the same thing. It threatened the kingdom by laying out the conditions of peace. Germany had also tried to bribe Belgium. It highlighted the fact that it would guarantee Belgium’s independence and possessions, pay for any damages caused by the German troops, and purchase all the necessities that the Belgium troops needed. This was not right and it did not go well with the Belgium people. Although small compared to Germany, Belgium was willing to fight for its honor. It depended on the London treaty it had made in 1839 and it was assured of the necessary protection. Belgium was not responsible for the First World War, even though some people died in its territory. It had a right to hold firm to its beliefs since it was an independent country.
References
BBC, “Daily Mirror Headlines: The Declaration of War, Published 4 August 1914.” BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/mirror01_01.shtml
The World War I Document Archive (a). King Albert I of the Belgians’ Speech to the Belgian Parliament. Last modified June 30, 2009. http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/King_Albert_I_of_the_Belgians’_Speech_to_the_Belgian_Parliament
The
World War I Document Archive (b). The German Request for Free Passage Through Belgium.
Last modified May 28, 2009. http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/The_German_Request_for_Free_Passage_Through_Belgium
[1] BBC, “Daily Mirror Headlines: The Declaration of War, Published 4 August 1914.” BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/mirror01_01.shtml
[2] BBC, “Daily Mirror Headlines: The Declaration of War, Published 4 August 1914,” BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/mirror01_01.shtml
[3] The World War I Document Archive (a), King Albert I of the Belgians’ Speech to the Belgian Parliament, Last modified June 30, 2009, http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/King_Albert_I_of_the_Belgians’_Speech_to_the_Belgian_Parliament
[4] The World War I Document Archive (b). The German Request for Free Passage Through Belgium. Last modified May 28, 2009. http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/The_German_Request_for_Free_Passage_Through_Belgium
[5] BBC, “Daily Mirror Headlines: The Declaration of War, Published 4 August 1914,” BBC, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwone/mirror01_01.shtml