How Did the Battle of Liège Start World War I?

• It was the first major battle of WWI.
• Germany invaded Belgium to attack France.
• Belgian soldiers defended forts around Liège.
• They fought bravely for several days.
• This slowed down the German army.

Europe was a dangerous place in the summer of 1914. Many countries were part of secret alliances that forced them to protect each other. Tensions grew high after a leader from Austria-Hungary was killed. Germany felt it needed to attack France before Russia could get ready for war. They created a secret strategy known as the Schlieffen Plan. This plan called for German troops to cross through neutral Belgium to reach France quickly. Germany expected Belgium to stay out of their way without a fight. The leaders in Berlin believed they would arrive in Paris in just a few weeks. They did not think the small Belgian army would stand in their way.

On August 4, 1914, German troops crossed the border into Belgium. Germany told the Belgian government to let them pass through, but the Belgians refused. The city of Liège was the first major obstacle for the German army. It was guarded by twelve strong forts arranged in a circle. The Belgian soldiers inside these forts put up a fierce fight. They used their heavy guns to stop the Germans from moving forward. The German army brought in massive cannons to blast through the stone walls. These huge guns, known as Big Bertha, crushed the fort roofs easily. Even then, the brave defenders kept fighting back for several days. They surprised the German leaders with their courage and skill. The battle lasted from August 4 until August 7, 1914. The delay caused the Germans to fall behind their planned schedule. Eventually, the superior German numbers overwhelmed the remaining Belgian defenders. The Germans captured the city and moved deeper into the country. This battle was the first major fight of the entire war. It showed the world that Belgium would not be an easy path to victory.

The Battle of Liège was important because it was the very first battle of World War I. The Belgian resistance, though ultimately unsuccessful, delayed the German advance, which was crucial for the Allies to organize their defenses and prepare for the war ahead.

• German 2nd Army
• Belgian Army defending Liège forts
• German siege artillery

• 1.The National Archives - The Battle of Liège
• 2.Imperial War Museums - Battle of Liège
• 3.World War I history websites
• 4.Military history books on the start of WWI