diplomatic
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary formally declared war on Serbia, the first declaration of hostilities of World War I. Emperor Franz Joseph signed the declaration, citing Serbia's unsatisfactory response to the ultimatum. Austro-Hungarian artillery began shelling Belgrade the following day. Russia viewed this as a direct threat to pan-Slavic interests and began mobilization preparations.
Sources
- T2 David Stevenson, 1914–1918: The History of the First World War (2004) Major
- T1 Austrian State Archives, War Declaration Document Official