Poster, 'The "Scrap of Paper"'

Several British First World War posters refer to the international Treaty of 1839 which guaranteed Belgium's neutrality and independence. The Treaty had been signed by Germany, but when it invaded Belgium in August 1914, the German Chancellor referred to the Treaty as just a 'scrap of paper'. This statement became a powerful propaganda tool for the British government as it sought public support for the war, aiming to arouse sympathy for Belgium and encourage enlistment.