Austria-Hungary News has reached Vienna that a Russian general mobilisation is underway. Their army must now attempt to transition from their War Plan B (for Continue reading Austro-Hungarian railways | 31 July 1914
Diplomacy has failed. The July Crisis is coming to its head. These are melodramatic times, and it’s hard to talk about them without sounding somewhat Continue reading Austria-Hungary declares war | 28 July 1914
The July Crisis is turned on its head today as the Russian government commits itself to supporting Serbia with military force if necessary. I’ve also Continue reading Russia supports Serbia | 25 July 1914
The gathering storm is about to break. Today is the day of the ultimatum, the day when the July Crisis changes from being any old Continue reading Ultimatum to Serbia | 23 July 1914
President Poincare continues with his helpful contributions to peace and diplomacy, and Count Berchtold finally gets round to showing his German allies the content of Continue reading France and Serbia | 22 July 1914
The German government singularly fails at acting like a mass of brutally efficient Teutons, bent on war at all costs. Meanwhile, President Poincare does his Continue reading Franco-Russian summit | 21 July
Today we are mostly looking at the position of the British government, and in particular, the Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey. Henriette Caillaux France’s attention Continue reading Sir Edward Grey | 20 July 1914
A look at the personality and role of Sergey Sazonov, the Russian foreign minister, who’s been pushing support for Serbia hardest of all. Poincare and Continue reading Sergey Sazonov | 18 July 1914
Once again we’re looking at the underlying situation. This time it’s the arrangements between Britain, France, and Russia in 1914; and the German strategy of Continue reading Russo-French Alliance | Localisation | 17 July 1914
On a quiet day, we’re investigating the precise position of the President of France, Raymond Poincare, one of the few heads of state to take Continue reading President Poincare | 15 July 1914
Today is a day of men sitting behind desks or around tables, considering the situation. The German Army is reassured that the French are in Continue reading Leaking from the top | 14 July 1914
Lots of varying arguments today over the complicity, or otherwise, of the Serbian government. Which, incidentally, is an impossible question to answer because you can Continue reading Wiesner report | Humbert’s speech | 13 July 1914
On a relatively quiet day, let’s take a moment to examine the sensational events that are occupying the French media cycle almost entirely. Now, even Continue reading Henriette Caillaux | 12 July 1914
Despite all the desire for secrecy expressed yesterday by various important Austro-Hungarians, their intentions regarding Serbia begin leaking today. We’re also in Paris, where President Continue reading Leaks | 11 Jul 1914
Holy hell, is there ever a lot of secrecy going round at the moment. We’ll take a look at one of its major manifestations, and Continue reading Secrecy | Death of Hartwig | 10 Jul 1914
A dull day full of the worst kind of history; rich men in suits talking to other rich men in suits. Nevertheless, there are some Continue reading Flying a kite | 08 Jul 1914
The Kaiser is persuaded to return to his sailing holiday today, as Germany assures Austria-Hungary of its support. The meeting The events of yesterday are Continue reading The Blank Cheque | 06 Jul 1914
Manoeuvreing continues behind closed doors. The German ambassador, Heinrich von Tschirschky, gives a reassurance to Count Berchtold. Austria-Hungary Count Berchtold is still trying to find Continue reading Tschirschky | 03 Jul 1914
The crisis continues to rumble nastily. First, to Vienna; then, into the recent past. Count Berchtold There is one thing that everyone in Vienna agrees Continue reading Balkan diplomacy | 02 Jul 1914
The police investigation into the assassination of Franz Ferdinand is blown wide open. The July Crisis is well and truly underway. Danilo Ilic They’ve managed Continue reading The Black Hand | 01 Jul 1915
Having yesterday looked at the most important Serbian figure of the crisis, prime minister Nikola Pasic, today we’ll head to Vienna and do the same Continue reading Count Berchtold | 30 Jun 1914
It’s only fitting that the trigger for the crisis that launched the First World War should happen in such a bloody stupid way. The chain Continue reading Assassination of Franz Ferdinand | 28 Jun 1914