The German Army in Belgium, the White Book of May 1915

"The German Army in Belgium: The White Book of May 1915" by Germany's Auswärtiges Amt is a declaration born from the heat of World War I, where Germany directly confronts accusations of brutality inflicted upon Belgian civilians during the nation's invasion. The book positions itself as a crucial defense, poised to challenge the many accounts put forth by Allied reports, arguing instead for a more sympathetic understanding of the German military's presence in Belgium. Introducing the narrative is a foreword that immediately disputes the validity of claims against the German army, urging readers to consider the German side of the story amidst the storm of wartime propaganda. At its core, this book offers a glimpse into how nations grapple with their legacies, and how they attempt to control the narrative amidst the fog of war, and revealing the complicated interplay between truth, perception, and international reputation.