General war in Europe: mobilisation of German and Russian forces; the implementation of the Schlieffen Plan and the invasion of Belgium; Britain's declaration of war; the key decision makers and their motives
Once Russia and Germany began calling up their armies in late July 1914, a chain of military plans locked Europe into full-scale war. Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium then forced Britain to join the fighting.
Real World
When Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28 July 1914, Russian Tsar Nicholas II signed the full mobilisation order on 30 July — within 48 hours, Germany had declared war on Russia, triggering the Schlieffen Plan and the march through Belgium that brought Britain in on 4 August.
Exam Focus
When explaining Britain's declaration of war, prioritise the Belgian neutrality treaty of 1839 — examiners reward this legal trigger over vague references to alliances.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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