The capture of Brussels by German troops represented a crucial development in the early stages of World War I. Following Germany's declaration of war on Belgium, the German army launched a swift invasion under the Schlieffen Plan, which aimed to quickly defeat France by moving through Belgium. The invasion began in early August, with the German forces overwhelming Belgian defenses. On August 20, 1914, after intense street fighting and bombardments, Brussels fell to the German military. This occupation was key in consolidating German control in the region and significantly altered the dynamics of the war.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, had previously been a haven of neutrality and diplomatic activity. The German advance sparked panic among the civilian population, leading many to flee southward as troops moved in. The capture of the city not only provided the Germans with a strategic stronghold but also served as a psychological blow to the Allies, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of the German military campaign. German forces conducted searches and instituted martial law, further imposing their control over the populace during the occupation.

Brussels remained under German control for the entirety of the war, becoming a central administrative hub for the occupying forces. The situation in the city was marked by the imposition of German culture and discipline, leading to resistance movements among the local population. The ultimately temporary nature of the German occupation set the stage for ongoing conflict in Belgium throughout the war, as both sides battled for control of the strategically vital area.