28 July 1914: One Month After the Asssassination — Hostilities Begin

The immediate cause of the First World War was the series of diplomatic maneuvers, ultimatums and blunders known as the July Crisis of 1914.  By 28 July 1914, one month after the archduke's assassination, the Great War had not yet taken its full shape, but leaders of Europe were beginning to appreciate that general war might be unavoidable. July 28th in hindsight may have been the day when the