August 1

Sir John French

During the day, King George V telegraphed the Czar saying, "I cannot help thinking that some misunderstanding has produced this deadlock. I am most anxious not to miss any possibility of avoiding the terrible calamity which at present threatens the whole world."

Meanwhile the Czar sent another appeal to the Kaiser, whilst the Kaiser was now determined to honour his promise to help Austria. At 5pm the Kaiser ordered the mobilisation of all German forces.

In the evening, the German Ambassador to Russia, Count Pourtales, handed the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergius Sazonoff, the German declaration of war.

Italy and Denmark declare themselves neutral.

Sir John French is appointed Inspector-General of the Forces.

British naval reserves are called up.

During the night, a small German force entered Luxembourg to occupy a rail and telegraph junction, the first steps in the long-prepared Schlieffen Plan.

July 30

Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire

Following the news of a German partial mobilisation, at 4pm the Czar signed the order for general
mobilisation of the Russian forces.

He had been convinced by his advisers that unless this order was approved, Russia's Polish provinces were at risk.

Further steps: 29 July

Czar Nicholas II

On this day the Russians began a partial mobilisation of their army; nevertheless even at this stage the Czar appealed to the Kaiser to, "try and avoid such a calamity as a European war". The Kaiser also contacted the Czar stating, "I am exerting my utmost influence to induce the Austrians ... to arrive at a satisfactory understanding with you."

Encouraged by this, the Czar attempted to cancel the partial mobilisation, but his Foreign Minister, Sergius Sazonoff, and the Chief of the Russian General Staff, persuaded him that this was not possible.

The Austrians bombarded Belgrade by monitors

Punch publishes an interesting cartoon on the increasing tension in Europe. Drawn by Leonard Raven-Hill, it shows Austria-Hungary (note the eagle is two-headed) bemused by plucky Serbia's attitude and suspects it is due to Russian support (represented by the bear hiding behind the rock).

July 27 - Further steps

General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien

On the basis of Serbia's reply to the ultimatum, Czar Nicholas proposes the opening of negotiations with Austria-Hungary. This proposal is rejected by Vienna.

On the same day, Sir Edward Grey tried to convene a conference between Britain, Germany, France and Italy "for the purpose of discovering an issue which would prevent complications". The proposal was vetoed by Germany on the grounds that such a conference was not "practicable".

The British War Office instructs General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien to guard vulnerable points in southern Britain.

John Burns, the President of the Board of Trade, recorded in his diary, "Why four great powers should fight over Serbia no fellow can understand."

John Burns

He felt war must be averted by "all the means in our power", and that it was his especial duty to "dissociate myself and the principles I hold, and the trusteeship for the working classes which I carry" from such as crime as any declaration of war will be.