The interactive parts of this resource no longer work, but it has been archived so you can continue using the rest of it.

Home > Why did Britain go to war? > Belgium > Source 4
 
Source 4 Transcript    Useful notes 
Message from the German ambassador in Britain to the British government on the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914
(Catalogue ref: FO 371/2161)
  FO 371/2161; message on German invasion of Belgium, 1914  
 

How to use this source:

Study this source carefully. There are details in this source that will help you to answer the key question. As you study the source, ask yourself:

  • What is Germany promising to Britain?
  • How does the German ambassador try to convince Britain that his assurances can be believed?
  • According to the message, why have the Germans invaded Belgium?
  • According to the message, was the German information about the French plans reliable?
  • Does this source give any clues about how the Germans thought the British would react to the invasion of Belgium?
 
Background    Worksheet
Contact us    Credits    Site map    Teacher's notes    Glossary    Maps
Learning Curve homepage The Great War homepage