1914-08-04 | First World War

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Britain Declares War on Germany (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Home Front, Summer 1914, Summer 1914', War

When the German Army began to move through neutral Belgium, on the morning of 4 August, Britain issued an ultimatum to Germany to leave Belgian soil, acting as a protector of Belgium. Germany’s disregard for Belgium’s neutrality was in violation of the Hague Treaty, signed in 1907. The Treaty stipulated that Britain, France, Germany and other great powers in Europe guaranteed the neutrality of neutral countries during times of war.

Germany was trying to use Belgium as a route towards the French border, in an attempt to outflank the French army. When Germany did not respond to Britain’s ultimatum by midnight (Berlin time) the ultimatum expired. Shortly after the expiration, Britain received a note from Germany declaring war. This declaration was received at the same time that Britain sent out her declaration of war against Germany. Britain’s declaration of war read:

“Owing to the summary rejection by the German Government of the request made by His Britannic Majesty’s Government that the neutrality of Belgium should be respected, His Majesty’s Government has declared to the German Government that a state of war exists between Great Britain and Germany from 11 o’clock p.m., August 4.”

At 11 p.m. in London, England, the British Empire as a whole was at war with Germany and her allies.

(“Great Britain’s Declaration of War,” Waterloo Chronicle-telegraph, 6 August 1914; “Sir R.L. Borden in opening the special session of the Dominion Parliament,” Elmira Signet, 27 August 1914)

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The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Summer 1914, Summer 1914', War

When Great Britain declared war, the long-standing alliances between the European Powers had come to a head. The Triple Alliance was formed in 1883 between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, against Russia and France. Great Britain had never been formally part of this alliance, but had been closely linked to it due to her apprehension of French and Russian aggressiveness as well. This, however, changed when Great Britain became wary of Germany’s naval growth after 1902.

As a result Great Britain became aligned with France in 1904 and Russia in 1907 forming the Triple Entente. The Triple Entente sought a balance of power in Europe, a strengthening of the treaty laws to help maintain peace and the status quo, and disarmament across Europe. They also made a commitment to one another to raise a land force and naval force that exceeded the strength of the Triple Alliance’s forces. This commitment was of extreme importance now that all six nations were at war.

(“Triple Entente and the Alliance,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 6 August 1914; Visual: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/images/article/alliance_entente.gif)

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Celebration at the Declaration of War (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In German-Canadian Identity, Home Front, Summer 1914, Summer 1914 -

On the evening of 4 August, hundreds of people had been waiting impatiently on the streets for any type of war news. When news reached Berlin, and the rest of Waterloo Region, at 9:30 p.m. that Great Britain had declared war on Germany, the people were gripped with wild excitement. The news was posted on the window of the Berlin Daily Telegraph office, and was later followed by an “Extra.” When it was announced that Germany responded with her own declaration of war against Great Britain, the Star Theatre pianist began to play “Rule Britannia” and the crowd began to cheer.

While some celebrated the declaration of war, it is evident that others in the community had mixed feelings about the war. Catherine Olive Breithaupt, the seventeen-year-old daughter of the Louis Jacob Breithaupt, who was the president of the thriving Breithaupt Leather Company, stated: “I am not extra proud of my Teutonic blood tonight.” This diary excerpt depicts the conflict German-Canadians in Waterloo Region would face during the upcoming war with Germany.

(“Wild Excitement When News Reached Berlin That War Was Declared,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 5 August 1914; Breithaupt, Catherine Olive. 1914 Diary (Breithaupt Diary Collection, Rare Books Room at Dana Port Library, University of Waterloo), 3 August 1914.)

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The Empire Is At War (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Home Front, Politics, Summer 1914, Summer 1914,

At 11 p.m. London, England time (7 p.m. in Waterloo Region) Great Britain declared war on Germany. This meant that Canada too was at war. The declaration of war was presented to the region by the newspapers of the region, which received the news through the wire. At this point, however, it was not known what type of contribution Canada would be giving Great Britain. Canadians waited to find out of Great Britain would accept Canada’s offer of a contingent.

(“Great Britain’s Declaration of War,” Waterloo Chronicle-Telegraph, 6 August 1914.)

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Canadian Parliament Makes Preparations for War (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Politics, Summer 1914, Summer 1914,

On the evening of 4 August, a cabinet meeting was held in Ottawa, to address the financial crisis that was taking place as a result of the war in Europe. Canada’s Minister of Finance, Hon. W.T. White, took measures to ensure that Canada’s finances remained stable during the war. It was the Canadian government’s goal to ensure that business was able to proceed without interruption.

In addition to the steps taken to protect the financial system of the country, the Canadian government also established a system of censorship. A call was made for naval recruits to serve in Halifax for the defence of Canada’s coastline. Although Britain had not yet accepted Canada’s offer for an overseas contingent, Canada took the steps to ensure her own defence.

(“Cabinet to Assist Banks,” Berlin Daily Telegraph, 4 August 1914.)

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King George Addresses the Colonies (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Politics, Summer 1914, Summer 1914,

On 5 August, the Berlin Daily Telegraph reprinted an address to the colonies made by King George V of England on 4 August. King George expressed his gratitude for the immediate assurances that each of the colonies made to Great Britain, that they would give their fullest support to the Motherland. He said:

“I shall be strengthened in the discharge of the great responsibility which rests upon me by the confident belief that in this time of trial my Empire will be united, calm and resolute, and trusting in God.”

Canada and the rest of the empire were officially united in their fight against the Triple Alliance.

(“King George to the Colonies,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 5 August 1914)

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Truce Between the Parties (4 August 1914)

By acoadmin • On August 4, 1914 • In Politics, Summer 1914, Summer 1914,

On 4 August, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the leader of the opposition (the Liberal party), announced that he was committed to a truce being observed between the Conservatives and Liberals for the duration of the “grave events.” He also stated:

“The policy of the Liberal party under such painful circumstances is well known. I have often declared that if the Mother Country were ever in danger, or if danger even threatened, Canada would render assistance to the full extent of her power.”

It was evident, only a day after war was declared, that both Canadian political parties were fully committed to the war effort, despite the fact that Great Britain had not fully indicated what type of commitment Canada would be offering yet.

(“Cancels Meetings, Sir Wilfrid Will not Bring Strife into Present Situation,” Berlin Daily-Telegraph, 5 August 1914; Photo Origin: London Advertiser, 4 August 1914.)