[Sailor Steve]

August 1

Belgium proclaims armed neutrality. Britain and France both agree. Germany says nothing.

France begins to mobilize its army. Huge cheering crowds greet the men, and flowers decorate the cannon as they roll on their way.

When it is reported that the French Ministry of War feels that Russia should invade Germany, General Nikolai Golovin says this "was the equivalent of asking Russia to commit suicide." Tsar Nicholas sends one last telegram to the Kaiser: "Our long proved friendship must succeed, with God's help, in avoiding bloodshed."

At 1700 hours Kaiser Wilhelm orders mobilization of all German forces, and declares war on Russia at 1910 hours. He is still hoping that Britain might remain neutral and convince France to do so as well, if he guarantees that he will not attack France. Von Moltke points out that the Schlieffen plan is already in effect, German troops are about to sieze railways in Luxembourg, and there is no way to stop it now. At 2300 hours Wilhelm gives the order for the German army to begin its march westward.

In Britain, King George V is still hoping that war might be averted. He sends a telegram to his cousin the Tsar: "I cannot help thinking that some misunderstanding has produced this deadlock. I am most anxious not to miss any possibility of avoiding the terrible calamity which at present threatens the whole world."

When the German ambassador to Russia handed the war declation to Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Sazonoff, the minister said "This is a criminal act of yours. The curses of all nations will be upon you." The ambassador, Friedrich Pourtalès, replied "We are defending our honor." Sazonoff said "Your honor is not involved. You could have prevented war with one word; you didn't want to."

Deciding that "St. Petersburg" is too German-sounding, the move is immediately begun to change that city's name to Petrograd.