Which Belgium in the Postwar? German Academics dealing with the First World War and its Aftermath

Geneviève Warland’s chapter on the “Belgian question” looks at Germany’s post-war plans for Belgium, in particular from the point of view of German academics. Intellectuals were concerned with the legitimacy of Belgian statehood and nationhood, and made plans for Belgium’s role in a new post-war Europe dominated by the German Empire. Some academics were in favor of Belgium’s annexation or of the creation of a protectorate; others were opposed to any kind of annexation or affiliation of Belgium with Germany. This division reflects the division of German society and political parties