Context: during the early days of World War 1 the Germans sent an ultimatum to Belgium demanding passage through Belgium and into northern France.
The German plan was to very quickly advance into France, take Paris and force them quickly out of the war. Instead of pushing through the heavily defended French border, the Germans preferred a quick passage through the relatively easy terrain of Flanders (northern Belgium) into France.
But Belgium being neutral they denied the request and Germany invaded. That in turn gave Great Britain a reason to enter the war, since they were guaranteeing Belgian neutrality.
Albert I responded to the ultimatum with “Belgium is a nation, not a road.”
Germany losing valuable time in Belgium would have a big effect on German war plans, I think they lost 2-3 weeks. If they hadn’t lost that time it’s possible they would have taken Paris.
But then again, that’s impossible to say for sure and it’s also possible they would have been bogged down in northern France.
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Context: during the early days of World War 1 the Germans sent an ultimatum to Belgium demanding passage through Belgium and into northern France.
The German plan was to very quickly advance into France, take Paris and force them quickly out of the war. Instead of pushing through the heavily defended French border, the Germans preferred a quick passage through the relatively easy terrain of Flanders (northern Belgium) into France.
But Belgium being neutral they denied the request and Germany invaded. That in turn gave Great Britain a reason to enter the war, since they were guaranteeing Belgian neutrality.
Albert I responded to the ultimatum with “Belgium is a nation, not a road.”
Germany losing valuable time in Belgium would have a big effect on German war plans, I think they lost 2-3 weeks. If they hadn’t lost that time it’s possible they would have taken Paris.
But then again, that’s impossible to say for sure and it’s also possible they would have been bogged down in northern France.