THE DECLARATIONS OF WAR.—­Austria’s declaration of war on Serbia (July 28) was followed by the general mobilization of Austria’s troops.  Austria maintained that all her armies were for the war on Serbia, but her preparations were so extensive that it was clear she was getting ready to fight Russia also.  In reply Russia began to mobilize her troops, partly to prevent the destruction of Serbia, but also to defend herself from possible Austrian attacks.  Russia definitely notified Germany that her mobilization was directed against Austria only.  Meanwhile England continued her efforts to bring about a conference of the powers, a plan which Germany continued to foil.  The Czar in a formal telegram to the Kaiser on July 29 suggested that the Austro-Serbian problem be given over to the Hague Tribunal, a suggestion which would have led to peace.  Nothing came of this proposal.

On July 31 the German government, on the ground that Russia’s mobilization was a threat of war, sent ultimatums to both Russia and France.  The ultimatum to Russia gave that government twelve hours in which to stop all war preparations against both Germany and Austria.  The ultimatum to France informed that government of the message just sent to Russia, and demanded a reply within eighteen hours as to whether France would remain neutral in case of war between Germany and Russia.  The crowds in the streets of Berlin went wild with joy over the news of the two ultimatums.  There were cries of “On to Paris” and “On to St. Petersburg.”  The Kaiser addressed his people from the balcony of his palace.  In the course of his speech, he said, “The sword is being forced into our hand.”  The government of Germany had decided to make its people believe that they were about to fight in self-defense.

Russia would not demobilize her armies under a German threat.  Consequently the next day, August 1, Germany declared war upon Russia.  Two days later, August 3, Germany declared war on France because that country had refused to desert her ally in this time of danger.  The greatest war of all history had begun.

GREAT BRITAIN ENTERS THE WAR.—­The German military leaders felt sure that Great Britain would remain neutral in case of a general European war.  They based this belief on the peaceful temper of the English people, upon the serious domestic problems she was facing, such as the question of woman suffrage, Irish Home Rule, and the threatening labor situation.  Germany regarded England as a nation of shopkeepers who would not fight unless they were attacked.  After Germany had made herself supreme on the Continent England’s turn would come.