The Ultimatum: With the assassination of the Archduke there were demands for immediate reprisals in Austria, but cooler heads convinced the parliament to try to negotiate first. On July 5 Germany promised that if war came with Russia, Serbia's ally, that Austria would have Germany's full cooperation and backing.
On July 21 there was still no word from Austria as to her intentions regarding Serbia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Sazanov issued a warning to Austria: "If Austria-Hungary is absolutely determined to disturb the peace, she ought not to forget that she would have to reckon with Europe. In no case should there be any talk of an ultimatum."
On July 23, convinced that the Serbian government was involved in the assassination, Austria did indeed issue the ultimatum, which required that Serbia pretty much give up autonomy to Austria and follow every Austrian demand involving any anti-Austrian speech or writing within Serbia. Serbia is given 48 hours to reply.
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“Never do anything you can't take back.”
—Rocky Russo
Last edited by Sailor Steve; 07-23-14 at 04:00 PM.
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