WI Belgium involved in Franco-Prussian War?

This idea suddenly popped in my head, so sorry if this thread does exist somewhere.

As you all may know, the Franco-Prussian War was mostly fought in the Elzas region of France, right? And in the First World War, Germany attacked France by moving through Belgium, so I wondered this.

WI Leopold II wanted to stand in a good daylight with Napoleon III and decided to send military aid to fight alongside the French in the war? Would the war have a different outcome with Belgian soldiers fighting alongside the French, or if Leopold had enough of the French and decided to fight alongside the Germans in this war?

That would be in violation of the Treaty of London, which guaranteed Belgian neutrality, but also required that Belgium itself stay out of wars.

Plus, the OTL Franco-Prussian War was so one-sided that I don't see the Belgians making a significant impact either way even if they did take part. Actually, the biggest effect that would have would be Britain's freak-out over the Treaty getting voided, but it's such a left-field idea that I don't even know what would happen then.

TRH said:

That would be in violation of the Treaty of London, which guaranteed Belgian neutrality, but also required that Belgium itself stay out of wars.

Plus, the OTL Franco-Prussian War was so one-sided that I don't see the Belgians making a significant impact either way even if they did take part. Actually, the biggest effect that would have would be Britain's freak-out over the Treaty getting voided, but it's such a left-field idea that I don't even know what would happen then.

Click to expand...

Very interesting... Perhaps England could fight alongside the French... I don't know, but you have to take in consideration that Leopold II was a little bit crazy. What with the Congo and all that.

I mean, he basically committed genocide in the Congo.

If they violate the treaty and send enough of the army away, might the Dutch take advantage?

Not sure myself, but it would surely be a worry for the Belgians. The Dutch got on quite well with Prussia so could jump in to get something at the table.

Can't see the Belgians risking it really, not enough gain for so much risk..