Chapter 0174: Threatening Belgium
On August 2nd, the meticulously devised Schlieffen Plan of the German Army commenced its execution, with the seven corps on the Western Front already assembling at their designated positions.
The core intention of the Schlieffen Plan was to avert the protracted nightmare of a two-front war by initiating a blitzkrieg. The strategy involved mustering substantial forces in the West to vanquish France swiftly, followed by a rapid redeployment of troops via efficient railways to the East, to defeat Russia and secure victory.
In essence, it aimed to exploit the time differential. By capitalizing on Russia's sluggish mobilization capabilities, the plan sought to dismantle France before Russia could fully mobilize, thus sealing the fate of the conflict. Should the strategic objectives fail and a two-front war ensue, the prospect of German victory would become exceedingly bleak.
Within the Schlieffen Plan, Belgium emerged as an unavoidable obstacle. France had long regarded Germany as its archrival, fortifying its border with substantial military presence. To bypass the formidable French defenses and the rugged Ardennes, Germany must traverse Belgian territory. Despite its small size, Belgium possessed a robust industrial base, with excellent railway and road networks, facilitating rapid troop movements for the German forces.
Thus, Germany hoped the Kingdom of Belgium would voluntarily open its borders, allowing the German army to "pass through" and launch an offensive from northern France. Of course, if Belgium refused, the formidable German military would likely compel their consent.
Even though Belgium was recognized as a neutral nation by the other European states, Germany had little intention of allowing this to impede their plans. For the Germans, having invested considerable resources into this strategy, failure was not an option. Everything hinged on securing victory.
As the Imperial Crown Prince, Qin Tian, departed Berlin, Emperor Wilhelm II summoned Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and Foreign Minister von Kidren-Waechter.
"Chancellor, Foreign Minister," Wilhelm II stated, "the army is mobilizing, and we anticipate completing the final assembly and launching an offensive within 48 hours. We must persuade the Belgians to quickly open their borders for our troops to pass through!"
"Your Majesty, I will immediately instruct our ambassador in the Kingdom of Belgium to issue an ultimatum. However, the likelihood of the Belgians acquiescing is slim," von Kidren-Waechter replied.
Wilhelm II nodded, aware of the improbability. Despite its small stature, Belgium exhibited considerable resolve, investing heavily in border defenses to protect its sovereignty against potential adversaries. Their fortifications were primarily concentrated along the border with Germany, viewing France as less of a threat. This defensive posture had been a source of irritation for Germany, especially given Belgium's close ties with Britain, which had pledged to guarantee Belgium's safety and independence. Thus, even in the face of Germany, Belgium maintained its defiance.
However, the Belgians were soon to discover the disparity between their resolve and their actual capabilities. For a nation of merely seven million, confronting the might of the German military—boasting the strongest continental army in the world—was an insurmountable challenge.
"Regardless, let us present the Belgians with a choice! If they wish to avoid destruction, they should heed our counsel and allow our troops passage. They could even join the Allies and share in the spoils of victory. However, if they persist in their obstinacy, foolishly relying on British guarantees, they will soon find themselves crushed by our formidable forces!" Chancellor Bülow proclaimed.
"Very well, let it be so! The choice is now in the hands of the Belgians. One can only hope they choose wisely," Wilhelm II said, adopting a tone of tragic empathy, seemingly unperturbed by the impending invasion of Belgium. For such tyrants, achieving ultimate victory was of paramount importance.
On the morning of August 2nd, King Albert I of Belgium convened his ministers and military leaders to discuss the prevailing situation. The concentration of German troops at the border posed a significant threat to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Albert I was filled with trepidation, fearing a German incursion. In truth, Belgium's vulnerability against the might of the German Empire was glaringly evident.
"Gentlemen, the Germans have amassed forces at our borders. Will they attack us?" Albert I inquired.
"Your Majesty, we are a neutral nation. The Germans should not assault us. After all, their enemies are the French, not us," Foreign Minister Coleman replied.
"Ha! The Germans care little for our neutrality; their only concern is achieving victory," retorted Prime Minister Brockville, ever vigilant of Germany's predatory ambitions.
"Generals, if the Germans do attack, will our border defenses hold against their onslaught?" Albert I asked the military leaders.
"Your Majesty, the Liège Fortress has been completed. By stationing troops there, we can secure our safety. The Germans will find it impossible to breach our heavily fortified Liège," the Minister of War confidently asserted.
The Liège Fortress was a critical stronghold on the path of any German offensive into Belgium, thus the Belgians had opted to construct formidable defenses there to thwart a sudden invasion. Now, that fortress was finally poised to fulfill its purpose.
Yet, the Belgians had overlooked a significant fact: the Liège Fortress had been completed twenty years prior, designed to withstand assaults from 210-mm artillery. Its fortifications boasted reinforced concrete walls between 2.5 and 3 meters thick. However, advancements in technology had rendered 210-mm artillery obsolete, revealing a glaring vulnerability in the fortress.
"Your Majesty, the German ambassador requests an audience."
"The Germans have arrived?" The assembled Belgian officials gasped. King Albert I's demeanor shifted, yet he permitted the German ambassador to enter.
"Your Majesty, I come bearing the goodwill of the German Empire. The Empire wishes for the Kingdom of Belgium to withdraw its troops from the border, allowing German forces to pass through Belgian territory. The German Empire guarantees that it will not infringe upon Belgium's safety or other interests," the ambassador proclaimed haughtily.