self from possible Austrian attacks. Russia definitely notified
Germany that her mobilization was directed against Austria only.
Meanwhile England continued her efforts to bring about a conference of
the powers, a plan which Germany continued to foil. The Czar in a formal
telegram to the Kaiser on July 29 suggested that the Austro-Serbian
problem be given over to the Hague Tribunal, a suggestion which would
have led to peace. Nothing came of this proposal.

On July 31 the German government, on the ground that Russia's
mobilization was a threat of war, sent ultimatums to both Russia and
France. The ultimatum to Russia gave that government twelve hours in
which to stop all war preparations against both Germany and Austria. The
ultimatum to France informed that government of the message just sent to
Russia, and demanded a reply within eighteen hours as to whether France
would remain neutral in case of war between Germany and Russia. The
crowds in the streets of Berlin went wild with joy over the news of the
two ultimatums. There were cries of "On to Paris" and "On to St.
Petersburg." The Kaiser addressed his people from the balcony of his
palace. In the course of his speech, he said, "The sword is being forced
into our hand." The government of Germany had decided to make its people
believe that they were about to fight in self-defense.

Russia would not demobilize her armies under a German threat.
Consequently the next day, August 1, Germany declared war upon Russia.
Two days later, August 3, Germany declared war on France because that
country had refused to desert her ally in this time of danger. The
greatest war of all history had begun.

GREAT BRITAIN ENTERS THE WAR.--The German military leaders felt sure
that Great Britain would remain neutral in case of a general European
war. They based this belief on the peaceful temper of the English
people, upon the serious domestic problems she was facing, such as the
question of woman suffrage, Irish Home Rule, and the threatening labor
situation. Germany regarded England as a nation of shopkeepers who would
not fight unless they were attacked. After Germany had made herself
supreme on the Continent England's turn would come.

Great Britain's agreement with France and Russia, the other members of
the Triple Entente, did not go so far as to require her to join them in
case they should be involved in war. It is difficult to say whether or
not Great Britain would have decided to