Germany Invades Belgium

What happened

Following the Schlieffen Plan — Germany's strategy to knock out France quickly before turning east against Russia — German armies invaded neutral Belgium on 4 August to outflank the French defenses. The violation of Belgian neutrality brought Britain and its empire into the war that same day.

Why it matters

The invasion widened the war to include Britain and doomed Germany's hope of a short, decisive campaign in the west.

Sources

• Imperial War Museums. The Schlieffen Plan · Reputable source
• World History Encyclopedia. Schlieffen Plan · Reputable source