31 July: Difference between revisions

*[[Russia]] still complaisant, but as [[Austria]] is not responsive she announces her general mobilisation.

*[[Germany]] declares Kriegsgefahrsustand,<ref>Meaning an imminient-danger-of-war situation.</ref> and tells Russia (definite threat not delivered till midnight) that she proposes to mobilise unless Russia stops all military measures within 12 hours.<ref>German ultimatum to [[Russia]] (midnight July 31 - [[1 August|August 1]]) that if within 12 hours she did not demobilise, [[Germany]] would mobilise. No answer being received, Germany declared war ("accepts the challenge") at 5 p.m., August 1.</ref> She also informs [[France]] of her intention towards Russia, and demands to know within 18 hours whether France will remain neutral.<ref>German ultimatum to France (July 31) demanding to know within 18 hours her attitude in the event of a Russo-German War.</ref><ref>In that case she would have demanded the temporary cession of Toul and [[Verdun]]. M.[[René Viviani]], however, merely replied that France would act according to her interests.</ref>

*[[France]] notifies her Ambassadors that Germany, whilst protesting peaceful intentions, has throughout by her dilatory or negative attitude caused all attempts at agreement to fail.

*[[Sir Edward Grey]] goes to the furthest possible limit in endeavouring to persuade Germany to assist him in squaring matters between Austria and [[Serbia]]. Asks France and Germany whether they intend to respect Belgian neutrality; France says, "certainly," Germany refuses to reply. British Cabinet not yet prepared to give France definite pledge of assistance.

*Financial crisis in [[London]]. Stock Exchange closed.

*M.[[Jean JauresJaurès]] (Socialist leader) assassinated in [[Paris]].

*Mobilisation commenced in [[Turkey]].