The July Crisis that followed saw mobilisation of Austria-Hungry, Germany, France and Russia.
July Crisis
Anxious not to fight a war on two fronts, Germany enacted their Schlieffen Plan, the aim being to defeat France in six weeks, then turn attention eastward to Russia who they assessed would take a while to fully prepare for war.
The Schlieffen plan required German forces to wheel through neutral Belgium
Schlieffen Plan
German cavalry crossed the border on 3rd August. Belgian neutrality was guaranteed by Britain by the Treaty of London 1839, and a telegram was sent to the Kaiser demanding the German forces withdraw.
The Germans failed to comply and at 11pm 4th August 1914, Britain declared war on Germany.
Commemoration of the centenary of WW1
Northumberland Square North Shields
Sunday 3rd August 2014
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| Parade on the march |
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| Tyneside Scottish Pipe Band |
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| Veteran Contingent |