The German occupation of Luxembourg commenced as a critical tactical move in the early stages of World War I. Following the declaration of war on Russia and France by Germany, the nation sought efficient paths to secure its western borders and advance into France. On August 2, 1914, German forces crossed into Luxembourg, which was a neutral territory under the protection of international agreements. Despite being a small nation with limited military capacity, Luxembourg was unprepared to resist the invasion. The Luxembourgian population faced the stark reality of foreign troops occupying their homeland without a significant military response due to the scale of the German advance.

The occupation not only served military purposes but also showcased the broader implications of the war's onset. Germany viewed Luxembourg as a necessary route for logistical support in its planned offensive against France. Moreover, this incursion breached Luxembourg's sovereignty and set a precedent for future violations of neutrality during the war. It marked the beginning of foreign intrusion into Belgium and other neutral nations, which further escalated hostilities and drew more countries into the conflict.

In the aftermath, Luxembourg would undergo a prolonged period of occupation which affected its political landscape and relations with Germany. Many Luxembourgers found themselves involved in resistance or collaboration, contributing to the complex social dynamics during the war, as the occupation continued until 1918. The event laid the groundwork for Luxembourg's post-war negotiations and its position within the evolving European political structure.