The news as it happened.
Europe Goes to War
The July Crisis and the outbreak of war in Europe, summer 1914: the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum to Serbia, the declarations of war, and Britain’s entry
Start from the beginning Subscribe to this series
One issue each morning, starting with Friday, July 24, 1914.
- Friday, July 24, 1914Austria sends Servia an ultimatum: answer by six to-morrowAustria-Hungary has sent Servia an ultimatum with until six o’clock to-morrow evening to answer, Berlin stands behind Vienna, and Russia is to ask for time.
- Saturday, July 25, 1914Austria breaks with Servia: Minister leaves BelgradeServia answered with ten minutes to spare, Austria called the reply unsatisfactory and broke off relations, and Servia is mobilising while Austria puts the monarchy on a war footing.
- Sunday, July 26, 1914Servian Minister handed his passports; Putnik held in HungaryAustria has sent the Servian Minister his passports and holds herself at war with Servia, Belgrade is left to a covering force, and Sir Edward Grey invites the Powers to confer in London.
- Monday, July 27, 1914Vienna reports Servian fire on Austrian troops on the DanubeVienna reports Servian fire on Austrian troops on the Danube while Sir Edward Grey asks the Powers to confer and to halt military operations, and money takes fright from Berlin to Penang.
- Tuesday, July 28, 1914Austria-Hungary declares war on ServiaAustria-Hungary has declared war on Servia, Germany has turned down Sir Edward Grey’s conference, and the Tsar is reported to have authorised a partial mobilisation.
- Wednesday, July 29, 1914Austrian guns open on Belgrade; the Emperor grasps the swordAustrian guns open on Belgrade as the Emperor Francis Joseph tells his peoples he has grasped the sword, while the Kaiser and the Tsar exchange telegrams.
- Thursday, July 30, 1914Russia mobilises on the Austrian frontier; Germany asks what it meansRussia is mobilising against Austria and Germany has asked her to explain, while Britain’s First Fleet has put to sea under sealed orders and the Commons has closed ranks.
- Friday, July 31, 1914Russia calls up her whole army; Germany proclaims a state of warRussia calls up her whole army and fleet, Germany proclaims a state of war, the world’s exchanges close, and M. Jaures is shot dead in Paris.
- Saturday, August 1, 1914Germany declares war on RussiaGermany has declared war on Russia after her twelve-hour demand ran out, France has ordered a general mobilisation, and Britain’s Cabinet meets on Sunday.
