The Start of World War 1

[RichB]

One hundred years ago today, 28 Jul 1914, the world changed. For the first time, a telegram was used to send a declaration of war from the Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister to the Serbian Prime Minister, received at 12:30 pm.

Vienna
28 July 1914

The Royal Serbian Government not having answered in a satisfactory manner the note of July 23, 1914, presented by the Austro-Hungarian Minister at Belgrade, the Imperial and Royal Government are themselves compelled to see to the safeguarding of their rights and interests, and, with this object, to have recourse to force of arms.

Austria-Hungary consequently considers herself henceforward in state of war with Serbia.

Count Berchtold


Rich

 

[Barney]

A sad day indeed...

 

[Tojo72]

A good read I would recommend is "July-1914:A Countdown to War" by Sean McMeekin

 

[moon puppy]

Thanks for posting this Rich. :zen

 

[jknaus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY3Sb8xiQ_c

 

[Barney]

Great Video. I, being a history teacher, have the CD set. It is an excellent documentary... I have shown select clips from it in my classes for years.

The kids are bored stiff, but I also quiz them on the main topics and themes and that drives them crazy.

 

[RichB]

In St. Petersburg, at 11 pm 31 Jul 1914, the German ambassador presented the 12-hour ultimatum to Sergei Sazonov. If Russia did not abandon its mobilization by noon Saturday, Germany would mobilize in response. This was rejected by Russia the next day.

The Declaration of War presented by the German Ambassador to St. Petersburg at 6 pm 01 Aug 1914.

The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In compliance with a wish expressed to him by His Majesty the Emperor of Russia, the German Emperor had undertaken, in concert with Great Britain, the part of mediator between the Cabinets of Vienna and St. Petersburg; but Russia, without waiting for any result, proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea.

In consequence of this threatening step, which was not justified by any military proceedings on the part of Germany, the German Empire was faced by a grave and imminent danger. If the German Government had failed to guard against this peril, they would have compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany.

The German Government were, therefore, obliged to make representations to the Government of His Majesty the Emperor of All the Russias and to insist upon a cessation of the aforesaid military acts. Russia having refused to comply with this demand, and having shown by this refusal that her action was directed against Germany, I have the honour, on the instructions of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows:

His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Russia.

Rich

 

[Bagge]

100 years ago the first belgian soldier died when the germans attacked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHyo9b3e6V8&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvOI4RPe8v0

//Mats