The July Days

What were the 'July Days' before the outbreak of the First World War?

The July Days is the name given to the period between the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the start of the First World War.

What were the key events of the First World War 'July Days'?

The July Days are made up of 10 key exchanges between alliances;

• ❖ 28th June, 1914: Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.
• ❖ 5th July, 1914: Germany agreed to support Austria-Hungary in a potential conflict with Serbia. This is known as the 'blank cheque'.
• ❖ 23rd July, 1914: Austria-Hungary sent an ultimatum to Serbia.
• ❖ 25th July, 1914: Serbia agreed to all of Austria's demands except one.
• ❖ 26th July, 1914: Russia promised to support Serbia in any conflict.
• ❖ 28th July, 1914: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Serbia requested the support of Russia.
• ❖ 29th July, 1914: Germany warned Russia not to get involved but Russia mobilised its army. Two days later, Germany also warned France not to intervene.
• ❖ 1st August, 1914: Germany declared war on Russia and, in return, France mobilised its army.
• ❖ 2nd August, 1914: Germany requested access to Belgium, to attack France as part of the Schlieffen Plan. Belgium refused. A day later, Germany declared war on France and invaded Belgium.
• ❖ 4th August, 1914: Britain declared war on Germany.