Start Of The Weltkreig

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary by Gavrilo Princip

Kaiser Wilhelm [William] II assured Austria of Germany's support in whatever measures she took against Serbia, the so-called "Blank Cheque".

Austria presented Serbia with an ultimatum and she was given 48 hours to reply. Although the text was approved on the July 19 it was decided to delay its presentation until the state visit of the French President and Prime Minister to Russia was finished. This was done to prevent the French and Russians from co-ordinating their response. It was presented when the French delegation had left Russia and was at sea.

Austria rejected the Serbian reply and declared war. The Russians ordered a partial mobilisation of their troops against Austria in defence of Serbia.

The Austrians shelled Belgrade.

Russia ordered general mobilisation. Crisis escalated. British attempts at mediation failed.

The Germans presented an ultimatum to Russia to halt her mobilisation within 12 hours. She also presented one to France in which she was asked to promise to stay neutral and to hand over border fortresses as guarantee. (the Germans knew the French would never agree!)

Germany declared war on Russia. France ordered general mobilisation.

Germany demanded from the Belgians the right to send troops through their country. The Belgians refused.

Germany declared war on France and its troops entered Belgium. The British sent an ultimatum to the Germans calling for the evacuation of Belgium.

Britain declared war on Germany.