German occupation of Belgium during World War II

German occupation of Belgium during World War II
Conflict	German occupation of Belgium
Partof	the Western Front of World War II
Caption	Flag of the Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France
Date	28 May 1940 – 4 February 1945
Place	Belgium
Result	Allied liberation
Combatant1	Occupying Power:, Nazi Germany
Combatant2	Allied Powers:, Belgium, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Free France
Commander1	Alexander von Falkenhausen, Joseph Grohé
Commander2	Hubert Pierlot, Victor van Strydonck de Burkel, Bernard Montgomery

German occupation of Belgium during World War II began following the Battle of Belgium and the surrender of the Belgian Army on 28 May 1940. It lasted until the Allied liberation in September 1944, though some areas, notably the Ardennes, remained under German control until early 1945 following the Battle of the Bulge. The occupation was characterized by severe German economic exploitation, the brutal persecution of Jews and other groups, and a complex landscape of both armed resistance and political collaboration.

Background and invasion

The German invasion of Belgium commenced on 10 May 1940 as part of the broader Battle of France. Despite valiant defensive efforts, such as at the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael, Belgian forces were overwhelmed by the Wehrmacht's Blitzkrieg tactics. After eighteen days of fighting, King Leopold III controversially surrendered the army, a decision that led to a rift with the Belgian government-in-exile in London. The rapid Fall of France in June 1940 left Belgium entirely under German control, setting the stage for a prolonged occupation.

Administration and governance

Belgium was initially placed under a Military Administration in Belgium and Northern France, headed by General Alexander von Falkenhausen. This administration reported to the German military high command. In July 1944, as the front approached, direct Nazi Party control was imposed under Reichskommissar Joseph Grohé. The German authorities ruled through existing Belgian civil services, heavily influencing institutions like the Secretaries-General. Key collaborationist parties, such as the Flemish National Union (VNV) and Rex, were granted political latitude to enforce Nazi policies.

Economic exploitation and the war effort

The Belgian economy was ruthlessly plundered to fuel the German war economy. Massive forced requisitions of food, raw materials like coal from the Borinage, and industrial machinery were enacted. The National Bank of Belgium was forced to provide "occupation costs," essentially funding the occupier. Hundreds of thousands of Belgian workers were conscripted for forced labour in German factories through the Obligatory Work Service. Major companies, including the Société Générale de Belgique conglomerate, were placed under German trusteeship.

Persecution and the Holocaust

The occupation regime implemented severe racial and political persecution. Antisemitic legislation was introduced, leading to the Holocaust in Belgium. Jews were forced to register, wear the Yellow Star, and were concentrated in the Mechelen transit camp before deportation to Auschwitz and other extermination camps. Key figures like Judgment on Nuremberg Race Laws Édouard Rotchild were targeted. Other victims included Roma, political opponents, and resistance members, many of whom were imprisoned at Fort Breendonk.

Resistance and collaboration

Belgian society was deeply divided between resistance and collaboration. The resistance was fragmented into independent groups like the Armée Secrète, the Front de l'Indépendance, and the Service D, engaging in espionage, sabotage, and publishing underground newspapers like La Libre Belgique. Conversely, thousands joined collaborationist militias such as the Algemeene-SS Vlaanderen and the Walloon Legion, which fought alongside the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front. The German police and the SD relentlessly hunted resisters.

Liberation and aftermath

The Liberation of Belgium began in early September 1944 with the swift advance of Allied forces, including the British 21st Army Group under Bernard Montgomery and the U.S. First Army. Key ports like Antwerp were captured, though the Battle of the Scheldt was necessary to open them. The German counteroffensive in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge briefly prolonged the occupation in some regions until final liberation in February 1945. The immediate aftermath saw the government's return, severe reprisals against collaborators, and the beginning of the complex Royal Question regarding King Leopold III's wartime role.

Category:World War II occupations Category:Military history of Belgium during World War II Category:1940s in Belgium