Belgians Under the German Eagle

"Belgians Under the German Eagle" by Jean Massart is a historical narrative that explores the trials of Belgians during the World War I German occupation. It recounts the breach of Belgium's neutrality and the constraints put on the nation due to German censorship. The story's focus is the representation of Belgian people’s mental resilience amid wartime oppression. The book starts off by emphasizing the author's objective approach, mostly relying on German sources to reveal the truth. The preface highlights the sorrow endured by the people, whilst illustrating their courage against destruction and cruelty. Early chapters describe the events of the German invasion while pinpointing both the breaking of international rules and the unfair accusations aimed at the Belgians. Throughout the start of the book, the tone is set showing the emotional suffering placed on the Belgian people.