Antwerpen14-18_Antwerp builds bridges ENG

The clash between
the European powers
In 1914, there are two opposing camps: the “Entente”
with Britain, France and Russia and the Central Powers
with Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary
– an act committed with a Belgian FN
weapon - is the spark that ignites Europe: 62 consecutive
declarations of war set Europe ablaze. Even the neutral
state of Belgium is dragged into the war. At that time
hardly anyone realises that an utterly destructive World
War had begun and that it would keep the world in its grip
for four long years.
All certainty is blown to smithereens.
The First World War changes the face of the world.
• The technological advances in weaponry and
their destructive power are unprecedented.
• Never before have so many citizens been
mobilised for the war industry.
• Never before have so many people sought refuge
elsewhere; millions of families are torn apart.
• All over the world, the war leads to major political
changes and radical revolutions.
• The post-war period sees the development of
new democracies based on universal suffrage.
The ‘new world order’ of American President Wilson
is only a distant memory.
In 1839, the Treaty of London recognises
Belgium as an independent country. The
Treaty includes “armed neutrality” as an
obligation. In the case of conflict, Belgium
is to maintain a back seat, although it is
allowed to defend its borders. In 1909,
King Leopold II signs the law on
conscription. Initially, the Belgian army
recruits its soldiers from volunteers and
before 1909 even by drawing straws.
The world is ablaze
The First World War is one of the most dramatic conflicts
in history.
• More than 50 countries are involved.
• 1.5 billion people - more than 80 percent of the
world’s population - are at war with one another.
• 70 million military personnel are mobilised, including
60 million Europeans.
• More than 9 million soldiers are killed.
• The total cost of the war far exceeds $ 2,000 billion.
6
The Belgian weapon that unleashes World War I
The Great War
breaks out
1914
28 june
Assassination of Archduke Franz
Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo.