The Belgian army fought Defending the defensive Defending Battle of the Yser ( 16–31 October ) from Nieuwpoort ( Nieuport ) south to Diksmuide ( Dixmude ) , as the German 4th Army attacked Attack westwards and French , British and some Belgian troops fought Hostile_encounter the First Battle Hostile_encounter of Ypres ( 19 October – 22 November ) against the 4th and 6th armies .

A German military administration was established Creating on 26 August 1914 , to rule Control through the pre-war Belgian administrative system , overseen Scrutiny by a small group of German officers and officials .

The revolution Change_of_leadership , which occurred Coming_to_be at the same time as revolutions Change_of_leadership in France and Liège , led to Causation the brief overthrow Change_of_leadership of Habsburg rule Control and the proclamation Statement of a short-lived polity , the United Belgian States .

Despite the tacit support Supporting of Prussia , the independent United Belgian States , established Creating in January 1790 , received Receiving no foreign recognition and the rebels soon became Becoming divided Destroying along ideological lines .

North of Ypres , the fighting Hostile_encounter continued in the Battle Hostile_encounter of the Yser between the German 4th Army , the Belgian army and French marines .

French , British and Belgian troops in improvised field defences , repulsed Defending German attacks Attack for four weeks .

Thirty-four German divisions fought Hostile_encounter in the Flanders battles Hostile_encounter , against twelve French , nine British and six Belgian , along with marines and dismounted cavalry .