Belgians Under the German Eagle

"Belgians Under the German Eagle" by Jean Massart is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text chronicles the experiences of Belgians living under German occupation during World War I, particularly focusing on the violations of Belgium's neutrality and the impact of German censorship. It aims to reflect the state of mind of Belgians as they endure the tumultuous era marked by wartime oppression and propaganda. The beginning of the book sets the stage for the narrative by discussing the author's commitment to objectivity, utilizing primarily German sources to highlight the realities of life in occupied Belgium. In the preface, Massart expresses the deep sorrow and resilience of the Belgian people as they confront destruction, brutality, and hardship inflicted by the occupying forces. Early chapters outline the context of German duplicity leading up to the invasion, the violation of international laws, and the unfounded accusations leveled against Belgians. This opening segment establishes a powerful tone of lament and resistance, demonstrating both the emotional and psychological toll of the war on the Belgian populace.