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(Tuesday, August 4, 1914, 7:00 p.m. GMT; during World War I) — Great Britain declared war on Germany tonight, effective at 11:00 p.m., in response to Germany’s violation of Belgian neutrality.

The declaration followed the invasion of Belgium by German armies under the command of Generals Alexander von Kluck and Karl von Bülow earlier this morning.

King Albert of Belgium had refused Germany’s request to allow its armies to pass through Belgian territory, leading Germany to declare war on Belgium and France on August 3, 1914.

Germany’s strategy in 1914 was to quickly defeat France before transferring its forces to the Russian front.

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The German Empire had already declared war on the Russian Empire on August 1, 1914, following Russia’s full military mobilization in support of Serbia.

This mobilization occurred four days after Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, the official beginning of World War I.

With Great Britain formally at war, the Dominions of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand entered World War I
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Meantime, the United States today proclaimed its neutrality in the mushrooming world conflict.