The poster depicts twelve panels with German soldiers approaching a Belgian fortification, Fort Malonne near Namur, and the Belgians readily surrendering. ; Statement of responsibility: "ilder und text von Paul Wendling. Nr. 21." Rare Books copy: Gift of Louis F. Peck, Professor of English, 1965. World War I began as a conflict between the Allies (France, the United Kingdom, and Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary). The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary and his wife Sophie ignited the war in 1914. Italy joined the Allies in 1915, followed by the United States in 1917. A ceasefire was declared at 11 AM on 11 November 1918. Fort de Malonne is one of nine forts built as part of the Fortifications of Namur in the late 19th century in Belgium. In 1914 the fort was heavily bombarded by German artillery in the Battle of Namur.