Meaning: This quote reflects the expectations of Germany at the outset of World War I and highlights the significance of Belgian resistance in the context of the larger European conflict. The quote suggests that Germany anticipated a swift conquest of Belgium before advancing towards Paris. The idea of a "dash on Paris" conveys the urgency and determination with which Germany aimed to achieve its military objectives.

The quote also underscores the strategic importance of Belgium in the German war plans. The resistance offered by Belgium was seen as a potential obstacle to Germany's rapid advancement, which prompted the need to overcome Belgian defenses before launching an offensive towards the French capital. This reveals the crucial role that Belgium played in shaping the early stages of the war and the impact of its resistance on the broader military strategy of the belligerent powers.

Kelly Miller, the sociologist mentioned in the quote, was an influential African-American intellectual and activist who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His perspective on the significance of Belgian resistance in the context of German war planning offers valuable insight into the global ramifications of the conflict and its implications for international relations.

The quote captures a pivotal moment in the history of World War I, as it reflects the initial expectations and calculations of the German military leadership. The assumption that Belgian resistance would be swiftly overcome and followed by a rapid advance on Paris reveals the confidence and strategic ambitions of the German war planners at the outset of the conflict.

From a broader historical perspective, the quote also sheds light on the complex dynamics of the alliances and rivalries that characterized the prelude to World War I. The German expectation of a quick victory hinged on the assumption that Belgium could be swiftly subdued, enabling an unimpeded march towards the French capital. This highlights the interconnectedness of the various European powers and the pivotal role played by Belgium in shaping the course of events in the early stages of the war.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the impact of Belgian resistance on the overall trajectory of the war. The unexpected resilience of Belgian forces and the international outcry over the violation of Belgian neutrality had far-reaching consequences, drawing other major powers such as Britain into the conflict and shaping the broader narrative of the war as a struggle for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In conclusion, the quote by Kelly Miller encapsulates the initial expectations of Germany regarding the swift conquest of Belgium and the subsequent advance towards Paris at the onset of World War I. It also highlights the strategic significance of Belgian resistance and its impact on the broader dynamics of the conflict, offering valuable insights into the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized the early 20th-century European geopolitics.