Research On The Commission For Relief In Belgium(1914-1919)

The unexpected outbreak of the First World War pushed the small neutral country Belgium, which was highly dependent on import and export trade to the edge of survival, more than 7 million Belgians were faced with the threat of famine constantly under the dual bullying of German occupation and the allies blockade. In order to save their compatriots, some voluntary relief groups in Belgium began to carry out early relief. However, due to the limited resources, seeking foreign aid became the only hope of the whole Belgium. In October 1914, the Commission for Relief in Belgium under the leadership of Herbert Hoover was established, starting its five-year, effective relief work.Depending on favorable neutral position, the Commission for Relief in Belgium had diplomatic negotiations with the warring sides immediately after its establishment to seek import permission and guarantees against requisition of food, raise money, buy materials and arrange transportation. Though there were some friction and conflict with the German occupation authorities and even the Belgian National Committee, the Commission for Relief in Belgium still provided necessary food, clothing and medical relief and so forth to the nearly 10 million people in Belgium and Northern France successfully. It’s when the America entered WWI that the American members of the Commission for Relief in Belgium had to withdraw, taking charge of the relief affairs outside the occupation area of Belgium and Northern France, while the relief work inside were taken over by the Spanish-Holland organization. After the end of WWI, the Americans returned, committing to the post-war relief and reconstruction work of Belgium and Northern France. It was not until August 1919 when Belgium and France gradually recovered from the trauma of war that the Commission for Relief in Belgium unloaded the burden and withdrew from Belgium and Northern France.The Commission for Relief in Belgium spent hundreds of millions of dollars during its five-year work, not only provided necessary supplies for the people of Belgium and Northern France during the war, protecting them from having suffered from cold and hunger, but also made great contributions to the post-war relief and reconstruction of the two countries. Moreover, owing to the dominant roles Americans played and the great support given by the American Government, the Commission for Relief in Belgium is not only a prominent symbol of the America’s effort to participate actively in European affairs as well as establish moral leadership. Furthermore, it’s an outstanding example of humanitarian relief work in 20th century, which can be used as a reference by today’s international assistance.