James O. Clough

Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Daniel Bly

Degree Award Date

Spring 1982

Keywords

Belgium, Belgian Neutrality, World War I, viewpoints

Disciplines

European History | History | Military History | Political History

Abstract

Why did the Germans violate a treaty in 1914, that they had sworn to uphold in 1839 and 1870? How did tiny Belgium become the British excuse for entry into the war? How can a nation be permanently neutral? What made tiny Belgium resist the German invasion, which would surely defeat them? These questions and others intrigued me from my study of World War I in various history classes. The diplomatic backdrop against which the events of 1914 were played out is also very interesting. This honors project has allowed me to look into the topic of Belgian neutrality much more closely. Hopefully, the paper can at least provide the reader with an overview of the subject, from which he can move on to more in depth study. I would like to thank my History professors at Bridgewater for providing me wit h encouragement and stimulation concerning my study of history.

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