WI : Dutch neutrality violated in WWI

The Schlieffen plan originally demanded the passing of troops through the Dutch city of Maastricht, which was an important rail hub. As it happened, during the opening of WWI, the Dutch allowed transit of German "civilian" equipment required for warmaking such as foodstuffs through Maastricht.
But what if the Germans had tried to pass troops and war material through the city ? Would the Dutch have been forced to declare war to Germany ? And would they have ended up fighting alongside the Entente ?
 

raharris1973

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But what if the Germans had tried to pass troops and war material through the city ? Would the Dutch have been forced to declare war to Germany ? And would they have ended up fighting alongside the Entente ?

Interesting question. I think if the Germans sent supplies and troops in plainclothes to join units on the other side this by itself wouldn't force a declaration of war if it happens without incident. If they are marching or riding in full battle gear, it's going to be harder for the Dutch to avoid declaring war.
 
Schleiffen's memo included passing through the Maastricht appendix, he 'allocated ' several (non existent ) corps to mask the 90,000 strong Dutch army. Schleiffen's memo included some 300,000 troops that the German army did not have, the army only expanded by 135,000 from 1913.

So if the Germans violate Dutch territory they will have to allocate several corps from the already slim superiority to contain the Dutch. This will most likely mean that the reverse that iotl occurred at the Marne would occur earlier.
 
The Dutch intended to defend their neutrality. Germany knew this and respected it out of self interest. The Germans didn't have the manpower to spare and took advantage of the Dutch trading route If the Dutch fight, the Germans are doomed
 
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