The Rape of Belgium: The Untold Story of World War I

Rating:
Summary: A real eye opener!
Review: Growing up in Post WW2 Belgium, I never understood why those who lived through the war could not stop recalling their experience.
Couldn't they just leave the past behind?
And then I grew up and I began asking questions?

My father's parents lived on the Dutch border, by Vise and so were some of the first to witness the invasion. My grandfather was deported to Bavaria for 5 years. His wife was left to fend for herself and their 6 year old son.

My mother's parents lived a few days' walk from the border, in Jauche. They, along with many others, fled Belgium with only the clothes they had on their backs. Watching the horizon for advancing German troops from the second floor of their homes, those who had survived WW1 had encouraged their adult children to just run. Why? Was that not cowardice?

I found the answer. It was not cowardice. It was survival instincts.

In its horrifying retelling, the book presents a sort of play rehearsal for the Holocaust.
The invaders' total disregard of the law and treaties but most of all their ability to get away with it all, set the tone for the next war. A German population, lulled by false propaganda, believed they had been victimized by the Allies. When the 'right' leader came along how could they resist seeking what they felt was righteous vindication.
How wrong they were though!

How Belgium and the Belgians ever managed to get back on their feet amazes me...

WW2 might not have happened had the issue of War Crimes been taken seriously. Millions of lives might have been spared. But hindsight is 20/20.

A must-read for anyone truly interested in learning from the Past.





Rating:
Summary: What about the rape of Congo by the Belgians?
Review: This is pure rehash of Allied hate propaganda against the Germans in the Great War. Since today, nobody has managed to provide convincing, and authentic evidence of the alleged atrocities and massacres, though there is plenty documented rapes and pillages by maurauding Belgium troops after the Armistice and the occupation of the Rhineland.

I Belgian colonists, imperialist and preachers, just to balance out.