How did World War I affect Brussels?

During World War I, Brussels was under German occupation from August 1914 until November 1918.1

The city’s experience during this period was marked by the following key developments:

• Resistance and Leadership: Adolphe Max, the burgomaster of Brussels, became widely recognized for his courageous resistance against the abuses committed by the German occupying forces.1
• Humanitarian Relief: To address the needs of the population, the National Committee for Relief and Food established its headquarters in Brussels. This organization, supported by aid from the United States, played a critical role in coordinating the feeding of the Belgian people throughout the occupation.1
• Liberation: The occupation ended when the Belgian army reoccupied the capital on November 18, 1918. Four days later, King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth made their formal reentry into the city.1

Following the war, Brussels continued its administrative expansion, growing from 9 municipalities in 1878 to 16 by 1932, eventually becoming an officially bilingual city that same year.1