Who was Adolphe Max during the German occupation of Brussels in World War I?

Adolphe Max (1869–1939) was a Belgian Liberal statesman who served as the burgomaster of Brussels during the onset of World War I. He gained international renown for his steadfast resistance to the German occupation of the city.12

When German troops entered Brussels in August 1914, Max refused to perform his duties under the authority of the German-appointed governor, demanding complete freedom of action instead. During his tenure, he worked to mitigate the impact of German-imposed taxes and requisitions on the local population and helped form a national committee to organize food supplies.12

His defiance led to his arrest by German forces in September 1914. He was subsequently imprisoned in the fortress of Namur and held in Germany for the remainder of the war. Following his return to Brussels in November 1918, he was celebrated for his leadership and continued to serve as burgomaster until his death in 1939.1