Belgium ... : Belgium ...

Belgium, a neutral state, was forced into the First World War by a German ultimatum, a fact with considerable international resonance. The war had a deep impact on what was, in 1914, the most densely-populated country in the world. Most of Belgium came under German military occupation; the army was cut off from the home front; and the government was in exile, as were 8 percent of citizens. This constellation of occupation, front, and exile made for a specific array of war efforts. These efforts endured throughout the conflict. Yet, tensions arose, which would inflect the war’s aftermath. ... :... Mehr ...