The July Crisis: A chronology | OpenLearn - Open University

June 28:

Ferdinand, next in line to the Austrian throne, was assasinated by a Serbian nationalist, Gavrillo Princip.

July 5-6:

Austro-Hungary sends an envoy to Germany seeking support for any future actions against Serbia. Wilhelm/Bethmann Hollweg support Austria-Hungary's action against Serbia and provides them unconditional support through a "Blank Check".

July 20-23:

France visits Russia, establishing the commitment to their military alliance.

July 23:

Austria issues an ultimatum to Serbia, suggesting war if it is to be refused. These demands are seen to violate Serbia's autonomy. Serbia must respond in 48 hours. (The Austro-Hungarian Ultimatum to Serbia (English translation) - World War I Document Archive)

July 25:

Serbia surprisingly agrees to most demands, but Austria-Hungary breaks off relations regardless.

July 26:

Britain suggests mediating a solution, though neither Germany nor Vienna acknowledge this.

Russia, a supporter of Serbia, begins to mobilize.

July 28:

Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. Initially, Germany tries to suggests a "Halt in Belgrade," but upon hearing of Russia's mobilization, this is disregarded.

July 30:

Russia begins to mobilize fully.

August 1:

Germany declares war on Russia. France and Germany mobilize.

August 2:

Germany invades Luxembourg and issues an ultimatum to Belgium. Britain pledges to protect Belgium's neutrality.

Germany essentially begins its latest iteration of the Schleiffen Plan - its strategy to deal with the two simultaneous fronts of an anticipated war with France and Russia.

August 3:

Germany invades Belgium.

Germany delcares war on France.

Italy official stays neutral.

August 4:

Britain declares war on Germany in response to their invasion of Belgium.

August 6:

Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.

The opening battle of WWI, where Germany launches its unprovoked invasion of Neutral Belgium. This city was protected by a number of fortifications that were able to delay the German invasion of France, costing them time while Russian was mobilizing.

Despite the delay, Germany ultimately was able to emerge victorious thanks in large part to its use of two new strategies:

Air Tech: The battle featured the use of bombings by Zeppelins, the first use of this on a European city.

Land Tech: Germans brought in the heavy artillary - literally: 17 inch Austrian howitzer guns and "Big Bertha" were used to shell the heavily fortified forts.

Plan XVII was France's attempt to retake Alsace Lorraine during World War I. It was an example of France's offensive strategies that severely underestimated Germany's own offensive through Belgium. Rather than achieve France's goals, Plan XVII arguably brought more success to Germany's Shlieffen Plan - at least early on.

This was largely due to France's inability to plan for an mobilize enough troops to counter Germany's advance through Belgium (which it also hadn't considered).

Along with the Schlieffen Plan, Plan XVII provides another example of early offensive strategies that failed to materialize the gains they had hoped for.

• Image: French troops in trenches or the ruins of Verdun.

  • Description: One of the longest and bloodiest battles of WW1, with over 700,000 casualties.

• Significance: A symbol of French determination and sacrifice, it was a battle of attrition where neither side gained significant ground

• Significance: The first day of the battle saw 57,000 British casualties, one of the bloodiest days in British military history.

• Significance: Although the battle was tactically inconclusive, the British retained control of the seas, limiting Germany's ability to conduct unrestricted submarine warfare.

• Technological Advancements:

  • Artillery: The Battle of Verdun highlighted the devastating power of artillery, with both the French and Germans using massive bombardments. Artillery pieces like the Big Bertha German super-gun (a massive howitzer) were capable of shelling cities and fortifications over vast distances.

  • Trench Mortars: The use of trench mortars became more common during Verdun, delivering high-explosive shells into enemy trenches, causing significant casualties.

  • Machine Guns: Machine guns were critical in defending entrenched positions, and their deadly accuracy helped shape the defensive nature of the battle.

July 1 - November 18, 1916 - Battle of the Somme

• Technological Advancements:

  • Tanks: The Battle of the Somme was the first major battle where tanks were used in combat. The British deployed early models like the Mark I tanks. While they were slow and unreliable, they showed the potential to break the stalemate of trench warfare by crossing trenches and barbed wire.

  • Aircraft: Aircraft were increasingly used for reconnaissance, strafing, and bombing. Fighters like the British Sopwith Camel and the German Fokker Dr.I began to dominate aerial combat.

  • Artillery: Heavy artillery bombardments, including "creeping barrages" designed to soften up enemy positions just ahead of advancing infantry, were standard during this battle.

May 31 - June 1, 1916 - Battle of Jutland

• Technological Advancements:

  • Dreadnought Battleships: The British Royal Navy and the German High Seas Fleet engaged each other with their most powerful battleships, such as the British HMS Queen Elizabeth and the German SMS Derfflinger. These "dreadnoughts" were equipped with large-caliber guns and armored hulls, making them dominant on the high seas.

  • Naval Guns and Torpedoes: Both sides utilized large naval guns, but torpedoes also played a critical role in sinking ships during this battle, highlighting the importance of submarine warfare.

  • Seaplanes: The British used reconnaissance aircraft to spot enemy ship movements, although these were still primitive and not yet as effective as later aircraft.