31 July
Jun
July
Aug
Lonsdale Battalion events that took place on 31 July.
For events that took place elsewhere, see 31 July on The Great War wiki.
1914
Precursor to British Declaration of War
- Russia still complaisant, but as Austria is not responsive she announces her general mobilisation.
- Austria also announces general mobilisation.
- Germany declares Kriegsgefahrsustand,[1] and tells Russia (definite threat not delivered till midnight) that she proposes to mobilise unless Russia stops all military measures within 12 hours.[2] She also informs France of her intention towards Russia, and demands to know within 18 hours whether France will remain neutral.[3][4]
- 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.
- Belgian mobilisation decreed for following day.
- Jean Jaurès (Socialist leader) assassinated in Paris.
- Mobilisation commenced in Turkey.
References/notes
Lord Edward Gleichen (1918–1920). Chronology of the War. Volumes I, II & III. Constable & Company, London. (Copyright expired)
- ↑ Meaning an imminient-danger-of-war situation.
- ↑ German ultimatum to Russia (midnight July 31 - 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.
- ↑ German ultimatum to France (July 31) demanding to know within 18 hours her attitude in the event of a Russo-German War.
- ↑ In that case she would have demanded the temporary cession of Toul and Verdun. René Viviani, however, merely replied that France would act according to her interests.