 Biography
Albert was born in Brussels in 1875,
and was the nephew of King Leopold II. He bore the title Count of Flanders.
Upon his uncle's death in 1909 Albert I assended the throne.
He married the Duchess of Bavaria and both proved to be
very popular members of the Royal Family.
During the first World War he became aware of the German
invasion plans. He immediately warned France and led the Belgians in delaying
actions against Germany. On July 31, 1914 he sent a personal letter to
the German Kaiser Wilhelm II informing him that Belgium would remain neutral
and declined to cooperate with the allies. His letter was ignored and German
troops subsequently poured into Belgium.
|
Albert finally gave in to pressure and cooperated with
the allied forces in the final offense of 1918. He remained with his troops
throughout the war. He was made commander of the Flanders Army Group by
General Foch of France.
Albert loved horse riding and rock climbing, but he died
in a mountain climbing accident near Namur in 1934. His death was mourned
universally.
He was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who did
face Nazi Germany in World War II.
next page
|
