Belgium in Brief: Brussels in 1918

Belgium in Brief: Brussels in 1918
Credit: Belga/Wikimedia Commons

Today is Armistice Day, a public holiday in much of Europe and a moment to reflect on a four-year conflict that not only changed modern warfare forever but was also pivotal in the international power relations we know today.

Rightfully, this day is accorded a deep reverence although the horrific specifics of that war are inevitably diluted as the living memory of the hardships is lost to time. Once the epicentre of the defining wars of the 20th century, Belgium is now the heart of international organisations whose mission is to guarantee peace – fragile though this is.

The Brussels we know today is the seat of EU institutions, regional and federal governments, and a vibrant tapestry of communities of all backgrounds. The city we call home has certainly come a long way since German occupation in the Great War and the trials that its citizens lived through deserve some attention, not least because Brussels in 1918 was a fascinating amphitheatre of military decadence, civilian fortitude, and revolt.

To better appreciate this riveting and terrifying chapter in the city's history, take a moment to look through this piece that details the end of the war, in-fighting among the occupiers, and deadly skirmishes around the city. Lest we forget.

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1. Murdered policeman: Attacker reported himself to officers on Thursday morning

The man who stabbed a young police officer to death in Schaerbeek on Thursday evening had reported himself to a police station in Evere that same morning, expressing his hatred of officers. Read more.

2. Brussels in 1918: Occupation, revolution and the Armistice

In the days surrounding the Armistice, Brussels was liberated by German revolutionary soldiers, who up until a few days earlier, had been the occupiers themselves. Read more.

3. Armistice Day: What is it and what is open in Belgium?

Every year on 11 November, Armistice Day is commemorated across Europe and the United States as it marks the effective end of the First World War – a day to remember the millions of lives lost to a years-long conflict. Read more.

4. 'Long-awaited': New tramline will connect Rogier with northern Brussels

The Brussels-Capital Region is laying down the tracks for a new tramway line between Place Rogier and the military hospital in Neder-Over-Heembeek, connecting several densely populated neighbourhoods to the city centre. Read more.

5. What to do in Brussels this (long) weekend: 11 - 13 November

Aside from the unlucky few who will be stuck working on Friday, most people will be enjoying another (slightly) longer break this week. Not sure how to fill all this extra time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our weekly list of what to do in Brussels during the weekend. Read more.

6. New legislation makes Belgian labour market more accessible to migrants

Access to the Belgian labour market has been simplified for those coming from outside of Europe but who legally reside in Belgium. The changes came with a bill passed on Thursday by the Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor (CD&V). Read more.

7. Hidden Belgium: Walking the War Trails

Every year on November 11, huge crowds gather under the Menin Gate in Ypres to hear the Last Post played in memory of those who died in the First World War. But most people do not stray far beyond the walls of the ancient Flemish town. If they did, they would find an astonishing number of cemeteries, memorials and relics of the war. Read more.


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