Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for the assassination of the heir to their throne. This was a chance to move against Serbia and eliminate the Balkan threat for good. How to preside divided Austria-Hungary's leaders, with the military, led by Commander in Chief Conrad von Hotzendorf, wanted to act immediately, and politicians, led by foreign minister Count Leopold von Berchtold, calling for support from Germany first. Franz Joseph followed Berchtold's advice and wrote to the Kaiser seeking to secure support.
6 July - The 'Blank Cheque'
On 6 July the Kaiser assured Frank Ferdinand that they would provide support if Russia intervened in their action against Serbia. Wilhelm II's reply to Franz Ferdinand was that 'Austria must judge what is to be done to clear up her relations with Serbia; but whatever Austria's decision, she can count with certainty upon it that Germany will stand behind her ally.'
This has been nicknamed the 'blank cheque' as the support that Germany greed to provide went beyond the Dual Alliance's terms. Under the existing terms, Germany would aid Austria to defend against a threat, not if Austria provoked a war. This support meant that Austria felt free to act as they wished. |
23 July - Serbian Ultimatum
On the 23 July the Austro-Hungarian government delivered an ultimatum to Serbia. This ultimatum consisted of ten demands that Serbia was not going to accept and 48 hours were given to answer all demands of face consequences (war). This was seen as a turning point, as up till this point, most Europeans saw this as a continuation of the issues in the region.
The terms of the ultimatum were:
1. The Serbian government was to supress anti-Austrian publications
2. The Serbian government was to outlaw anti-Austrian societies
3. Anti-Austrian education was to be banned
4. The Serbian military was to be purged of anti-Austrian elements
5. Austrian officials were to be permitted to take part in the investigations within Serbia
6. An enquiry was to be established into the assassination
7. Specified Serbian officials were to be arrested
8. There were to be stricter controls placed on the common borders of Serbia and Austria-Hungary
9. Serbia was to account for the anti-Austrian sentiments of its officials
10. Serbia was to agree that each of these measure had been put into pace without delay.
For a more detailed version click here.
The terms of the ultimatum were:
1. The Serbian government was to supress anti-Austrian publications
2. The Serbian government was to outlaw anti-Austrian societies
3. Anti-Austrian education was to be banned
4. The Serbian military was to be purged of anti-Austrian elements
5. Austrian officials were to be permitted to take part in the investigations within Serbia
6. An enquiry was to be established into the assassination
7. Specified Serbian officials were to be arrested
8. There were to be stricter controls placed on the common borders of Serbia and Austria-Hungary
9. Serbia was to account for the anti-Austrian sentiments of its officials
10. Serbia was to agree that each of these measure had been put into pace without delay.
For a more detailed version click here.
France, Russia and Britain, concerned about the potential for a war beyond the Balkans, instead that a time extension was necessary. This request was denied by Germany and Austria-Hungary. Believing that the Triple Entente was not ready to engage with the Triple Alliance, Germany encouraged Austria-Hungary to hasten into war.
25 July - Serbia Replies
Many were surprised on 25 July that Serbia accepted all but one of the conditions, that Austr-Hungary should be able to participate in the investigation of the assassination. It seemed as though war had been avoided, as the other great powers suggested negotiating a settlement. The Kaiser stated that 'every reason for war has disappeared.'
28 July - Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared that the ultimatum had not been met in full, and as such took action. Diplomatic relations were broken and war was declared. The bombardment of Belgrade began.
30 July - Russia Mobilises
After two days of hesitation, the Tsar ordered the mobilisation of Russian troops. This was an act that was certain to provoke a response from Germany. On the 29th of July, Nicholas II had written a telegram to his cousin Wilhelm II about his intentions, hoping to avoid war.
... In this most serious moment I appeal to you to help me. An ignoble war has been declared on a weak country. The indignation in Russia, shared fully by me, is enormous. I foresee that very soon I shall be overwhelmed by the pressure brought upon me, and be forced to take extreme measures which will lead to war. To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war, I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far.
Nicholas II to Wilhelm II 29/7/1914 The two leaders exchanged a series of telegrams (click here for a copy) with Wilhelm II suggesting that Russia should stay out of the impending war. The last telegram from Wilhelm II suggesting that 'The peace of Europe may still be maintained by [Nicholas II]' and that Germany would use 'preventive measures of defence' when it came to the 'safety of [its] Empire]. |
31 July - 1 August - Germany Declares War on Russia
On the 31st July Wilhelm II stated publically that Germany was in a 'situation of imminent danger of war'. Ultimatums were delivered to Russia and France, insisting on a cessation of mobilisation within 24 hours for the former, and the a statement of neutrality within 36 hours from the latter. All attempts to restrain Austria-Hungary were stopped on this day, and the Austria-Hungary army was fully mobilised.
France refused to comply and Russia did not respond. Germany mobilised is army and declared war on Russia on 1 August. France announced the mobilisation of its army on this day also. Italy pronounced its neutrality, arguing that the terms of the Triple Alliance did not apply in a war that was primarily about 'Austrian aggression.'
France refused to comply and Russia did not respond. Germany mobilised is army and declared war on Russia on 1 August. France announced the mobilisation of its army on this day also. Italy pronounced its neutrality, arguing that the terms of the Triple Alliance did not apply in a war that was primarily about 'Austrian aggression.'
2 - 3 August - Germany Declares War on France
On the 2nd August in preparation for an offensive against France, Germany occupied Luxemburg. They issued an ultimatum to Belgium, which was rejected on 3 August, calling for free passage for the German army across Belgium into northern France. Belgium's neutrality had been guaranteed in a treaty signed by Germany, France and Britain in 1839. On the 3 August, Germany declared war on France and crossed the Belgium border, violating Belgium neutrality
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4 August - Britain Declares War on Germany
Throughout July, Britain had sough to have the crisis mediated, and had been divided over whether to become involved. They had informed both sides that their involvement or un-involvement should not be assumed. Britain was not willing to go to war over Serbia, and the Triple Entente wasn't seen as a formal treaty that demanded British involvement in a war on the French or Russian side. Belgium's neutrality came to be the issue that engaged Britain, as northern France and Belgium was of concern for British shipping.
On 4 August Britain declared war on Germany, and Germany declared war on Belgium. |