Belgians Under the German Eagle

The author, writing from occupied territory, compiles German-origin and censored Belgian sources to document the military invasion and year-long occupation of Belgium during the First World War. The work traces diplomatic pretexts and the breach of neutrality, catalogues alleged German reprisals, massacres, and breaches of the Hague Conventions, and describes requisitions, hostages, pillage, and the resulting famine and refugee flows. It examines German propaganda, censorship, official falsehoods, and prevailing intellectual attitudes that justified violence, and records relief efforts and international aid. Documentary evidence and contemporary press material are used to portray daily life under occupation and its legal and moral consequences.