Briatin went to war to save 'gallant little belgium'. Discuss

Britain went to war in 1914 to defend the integrity of ‘gallant little Belgium’

Britain’s decision to go to war in 1914 was not simply to defend the integrity of France’s small neighbouring country. A variety of political, social and economical reasons contributed to the decision, almost all of which can be disputed by different historians.

Britain’s obligations to Belgium went back nearly a hundred years into history. After France invaded Belgium in 1815 Belgium became part of the Netherlands under the Treaty of Vienna. During the 1830s Belgium was made independent. This was largely brought about by Britain who, in 1939, signed the London Treaty. This was an international guarantee of Belgium’s independence and neutrality. During the Franco-Prussian war in the 1870s both sides held up this agreement. Since 1815 Belgium had never been involved in any international disputes, was never aggressive toward any other country, and was an incredibly peaceful nation. Britain m...