As part of the Schlieffen plan, the German army invaded Belgium, thus, violating its neutrality. It was thought that Belgium would comply with Germany’s wishes, however, this did not occur. The Belgian King Albert I justified Belgians resistance on 4 August, by saying "Never since 1830 has a graver hour sounded for Belgium. The strength of our right and the need of Europe for our autonomous existence make us still hope that the dreaded events will not occur." However, the primary justification of Belgium's actions was that after Belgium became independent in 1839 it was bound by the Treaty of London to remain neutral. Nevertheless, the Belgian army fought valiantly in a furious resistance, even though their army was approximately one tenth