page_title: Belgian refugees
section_title: First World War
hierarchical_section_title: Belgian refugees / First World War
caption_attribution_description: Belgian refugees in 1914
context_page_description: Following the creation of Belgium as a nation state, Belgian people have sought refuge abroad on several occasions. From the early days of independence and the threat of The Netherlands or France, to two World Wars and the Independence of Congo, Belgians have been on the run themselves, for various reasons, as refugees.
context_section_description: When Germany invaded Belgium on 4 August 1914, after the Belgian authorities had denied German forces free passage through Belgium on their way to Paris, Britain declared war on Germany. This was a direct result of the London Treaty of 1830 (which had been recognised by the Netherlands only in 1839).
caption: Belgian refugees in 1914
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