Was Britain's entry into WWI triggered by a longstanding alliance with Belgium?

by rocksteadymachine

I remember my grade 10 history teacher telling me about how Britain entered into WWI by a late medieval agreement with Belgium, that triggered once Belgium was invaded by Germany. I find no such alliance, unless someone wants to interpret the Treaty of London in such a way.

DuxBelisarius

unless someone wants to interpret the Treaty of London in such a way

The Treaty of London was NOT a 'Long=-standing alliance'; it was a treaty which recognised Belgian neutrality and Belgium's obligation to defend that neutrality against any invader, in return for recognition from the Great Powers and the guarantee that France, Britain, Netherlands, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Germany would intervene against any invader. Britain upheld that obligation in August 1914 AND was entirely justified in doing so.

rocksteadymachine

Thank you for confirming. I knew it had nothing to do with the treaty at Ghent, as that was merely signed in Belgium but had to do with the War of 1812.