The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #158525   Message #3757389
Posted By: Teribus
10-Dec-15 - 10:10 AM
Thread Name: BS: Jingoism or Commemoration
Subject: RE: BS: Jingoism or Commemoration
Had Great Britain remained neutral and had stayed out of the war in 1914 the following would have been the case following a German victory:

1: If Belgian forces opposed the Germans (Which they did) it would result in the annexation of Belgium by Germany - this was clearly stated to the Belgian Government by the Germans BEFORE the invasion - no speculation about that it was a clearly worded statement regarding what the consequences would be should the Belgians elect to fight. Any doubt in your mind there Gnome? If so one wonders what sort of a warning you would have to receive before you realised you were being warned of something.

2: By way of reparations should your armies resist ours we will strip you of your colonies and overseas possessions - No speculation there - a direct consequence of us defeating you means that we take over your colonies and overseas possessions.

3: As a result of a German victory in Belgium, Belgium then becomes part of Germany in much the same as Alsace-Lorraine did after the Franco-Prussian War. The formerly Belgian Ports of Antwerp; Zeebrugge and Ostend would therefore become German ports capable of being used as bases for the German High Seas Fleet. The ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend are within four hours steaming of the Thames Estuary and London - No speculation Gnome just FACT

The likely threat of the above prompted Great Britain to join the "entente powers" in their fight against Germany.