War chronicle · July–August · Vienna, Austria – Hungary
On the warpath
Threats and promises fly around Europe as the Allies and Central Powers prepare for war.
The Austro-Hungarians are on the warpath. After the assassination of their archduke, they want answers from the Serbian Government and threaten military action.
Knowing that Serbia has an alliance with Russia, they call on their own ally Germany to counter any attacks by Russian forces in the event of a war. On 5 July, German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II gives Austria-Hungary his promise of support. And then he goes on holiday, convinced the issue will blow over.
But it doesn’t. Instead, things spiral out of control. On 26 July, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. The Russians respond by preparing to fight alongside the Serbs. The German Army mobilises in turn.
A final demand from Berlin on 31 July that the Russians stop calling up their troops is ignored. Germany declares war on Russia that afternoon.