On 28 July, Russia, allied with Servia, began partial mobilization of her armed forces. The following day, there were great patriotic demonstrations in St. Petersburg and Moscow to celebrate the mobilization of Russian Forces in the southern and southwestern districts of Russia. This action diminished the chances of maintaining peace in Europe. Germany, allied with Austria-Hungary, immediately warned Russia to stop mobilizing.
By 29 July, officials across Europe still hoped that the war could be localized and contained to an Austro-Serbian engagement. Although Russia stated her mobilization was not directed against Austria, this action was interpreted as a threatening by Austria and her allies, Germany and Italy. At this point, it seemed as though the Austro-Serbian battlefield would continue to expand.
(“Germany Keeps Out,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 28 July 1914; “Mobilization of Russian Troops Diminishes Chances of Maintaining Peace,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 29 July 1914.)
