On This Day - 29 July 1914
Theatre definitions:
Western Front comprises the Franco-German-Belgian front and any
military action in Great Britain, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Holland.
Eastern Front comprises the German-Russian, Austro-Russian and
Austro-Romanian fronts. Southern Front comprises the
Austro-Italian and Balkan (including Bulgaro-Romanian) fronts, and
Dardanelles. Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres comprises
Egypt, Tripoli, the Sudan, Asia Minor (including Transcaucasia), Arabia,
Mesopotamia, Syria, Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, China, India, etc.
Naval and Overseas Operations comprises operations on the seas
(except where carried out in combination with troops on land) and in
Colonial and Overseas theatres, America, etc. Political, etc.
comprises political and internal events in all countries, including Notes,
speeches, diplomatic, financial, economic and domestic matters.
Source: Chronology of the War (1914-18, London; copyright expired)
Countdown to War
Russia says as Austria will not consent to interchange of view, Great Britain must take initiative; but she cannot let Austria get ahead of her, and has decided therefore to mobilise Southern Corps on Austrian frontier.
Russia officially informed by Germany (but not as a threat) that partial (Russian) mobilisation must be followed by war with Germany. Russia therefore decides on general mobilisation.
Great Britain again pressed Germany again re: mediation, but warns her that she (Great Britain) could not stand aside in all circumstances.
Council at Potsdam.
Germany makes out that she may not be able to prevent Austria going too far: makes "infamous offer" that if Great Britain would remain neutral Germany would annex no French territory.
Austrians bombard Belgrade in afternoon.
Unsuccessful Austrian attempt to cross Danube between Belgrade and Gradishte (the first of 18 vain efforts prior to 12 August).
MM. Poincare and Viviani reach Paris.
German patrols cross French frontier. Extensive German and Austrian preparations.
Tsar tries to stop general Russian mobilisation 11 p.m.
