Belgium refugees in Amsterdam (20-10-1914).
When Germany invaded Belgium in August 1914, violating its neutrality, widespread violence and destruction drove over 1.5 million Belgians—around 20% of the population—to flee. The largest share, about 1 million, escaped to the neutral Netherlands, whose population at the time was only 6.1 million. Other refugees found shelter in France (300,000), the United Kingdom (250,000), and smaller groups in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and elsewhere in Europe.
Although many Belgians returned home after the initial chaos, roughly 100,000 to 120,000 remained in the Netherlands for the duration of World War I. Their sudden arrival overwhelmed Dutch towns, prompting the creation of large refugee camps in places like Gouda and Ede. Initially welcomed with sympathy and solidarity, the refugees soon posed logistical, economic, and social challenges.
Not all were housed in camps—some lived with Dutch families or in urban centers, where Belgian artists, lace-makers, and intellectuals contributed to cultural life. Over time, however, resentment grew due to resource shortages and labor market concerns. The Dutch government imposed restrictions to maintain neutrality and manage tensions, including the internment of Belgian soldiers and limitations on civilian movement and employment.
Despite these difficulties, the presence of the refugees fostered some lasting connections. A small number remained after the war, integrating into Dutch society. The episode stands as one of Europe’s first modern refugee crises—an extraordinary moment when a small neutral country took in a population equal to one-sixth its own.
This chapter of history remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of both refugees and host societies.