29 July 1914

100 years ago today: Austria-Hungary has declared war on Servia due to Servia’s unsatisfactory response to the Note presented to her.  “The event which all the world dreaded is today realised”.  Both Germany and Austria-Hungary have declined to participate in Sir Edward Grey’s proposed conference which appeared to have been supported by France and Italy.  It is hoped that if Austria is contented with just the occupation of Belgrade then perhaps the Russians will not declare war; however if Austria continues her assault upon Servia, then “Russia must and will intervene”. The German naval fleet has been ordered to return.

28 July 1914

100 years ago today: The lead article in today’s Telegraph hopes that mediation will still be possible in preventing war between Austria-Hungary and Servia.  Sir Edward Grey has proposed holding a conference with the French, German and Italian ambassadors to find some way of securing peace and the German Emperor agrees to “mediation in principle”.  It is hoped that if the Kaiser is minded to find a peaceful solution then Austria will not open hostilities.  However there are also unconfirmed reports of fighting on the Danube between Austrians and Servians and reports that the Servians have blown up a bridge.

27 July 1914

100 years ago: Austria-Hungary is not satisfied with Servia’s response and the two countries are on the brink of war.  There is concern that Russia will come to Servia’s aid and “if Russia moves, then it is only too likely that Germany will move” and then France throw in her lot with Russia, and due to the nature of the Triple Entente, Britain may then also find itself at war.  Europe and Great Britain “are suddenly confronted with the terrible phantom of that great War on the Continent which has so often been confidently predicted, and fortunately, so often delayed.”

Week of 20-25 July 1914

100 years ago this week: the Ulster crisis continues to dominate the news with the King stepping in to invite the representatives from all parties to a conference at Buckingham Palace in the hope of reaching an agreement.  Unfortunately with both sides remaining unyielding, this was unsuccessful and the second reading of the Amending Bill is planned for Tuesday.  Austria-Hungary has presented a note detailing its demands to Servia  and given a deadline for Servia to issue a declaration by 7pm on Saturday 25 July.  There is increasing concern that Servia will not comply and war may now be inevitable.

25 July 1914

100 years ago today:  The King’s Conference has ended with the parties failing to reach an agreement and the Government will proceed with the second reading of the Amending Bill due to take place on Tuesday. Ulster volunteers have been warned to be ready for instant mobilisation.  There is grave concern regarding Austria-Hungary’s demands on Servia and the belief that war is now inevitable and the hostilities will begin on Saturday night. “And if another war is inevitable, will it be localised or will the Olympian gods of Europe descend into the arena to fight with and for their protégés?”

24 July 1914

100 years ago today: Austria-Hungary has presented Servia with a note and demanded a response by 7pm on Saturday 25 July.  The demands are for Servia to issue a declaration “in which she repudiates the machinations against Austria-Hungary and regrets the horrible results”, suppress publications which incite hatred and contempt against the monarchy and ensure that those involved in the assassination are brought to justice.  The conference at Buckingham Palace continues but there is little hope of a settlement being reached and it is likely that the Prime Minister will announce that the parties have failed to reach an agreement.