German violation of Belgian neutrality escalated the 1914 hostilities into a world war, and disagreement about Belgium's future did much to block a compromise peace. In the postwar decade, Belgium's role as intermediary between France and Britain was pivotal, and its primary concerns reveal mush about postwar Europe's search for stability. Yet, at the Paris Peace Conference, Belgium emerged with little to show for its suffering. Originally published 1981. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.