World War I

# Europe and the World, 28 July 1914 The starting point is **28 July 1914, at noon**. The assassination in Sarajevo on 28 June and the diplomatic crisis that followed have brought Europe to the brink of a general conflict. Austria-Hungary has just declared war on Serbia. Governments are trying to understand the intentions of other powers, protect their interests, and avoid—or accept—further escalation. The continent is shaped by empires, kingdoms, and republics. The Triple Entente brings together France, the United Kingdom, and Russia, but it is not an automatic mechanism for going to war. The Triple Alliance links Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, yet national commitments and interests still leave room for political choices. Belgium and several northern states seek to preserve their neutrality. The Balkans remain marked by the wars of 1912–1913 and competing national ambitions. The wider world matters too: the United States is watching the European crisis without being bound by European alliances; Japan, China, Persia, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Canada, and British India have their own political and diplomatic priorities. Colonial empires and dominions connect European decisions to global interests. The map retains modern geographic subdivisions to represent the terrain. The **Sovereignty in 1914** layer indicates the relevant political authority at the starting date; it is a game-scale reconstruction, not an exact cadastral map of every historical border.

On 28 July 1914, Europe is entering a major crisis following the assassination in Sarajevo and the Austro-Hungarian ultimatum to Serbia. Play as a head of state, diplomat, or political leader. States pursue their own interests; alliances do not trigger war automatically, and diplomatic, economic, and domestic decisions have lasting consequences.

# DIPLOMACY. Alliance commitments are assessed according to their wording, context, national interests, and the credibility of the government. An alliance does not automatically trigger a declaration of war: distinguish defensive treaties, consultation clauses, political promises, and actual decisions. Negotiations may produce an agreement, reservation, delay, or failure. # CRISIS. Official decisions are subject to institutional delays. A diplomatic note must be drafted, sent, received, and interpreted. Private information is not automatically known to other states; rumors may spread before facts are confirmed. # GOVERNMENT. A head of state does not always decide alone. Ministers, parliaments, royal courts, parties, and administrations may support, delay, or challenge a decision. A decision that is difficult to secure may weaken cabinet cohesion and public confidence. # NEUTRALITY. Neutrality is an active policy: it depends on international recognition, respect for commitments, border security, and the confidence of other states. A violation or threat may trigger a diplomatic crisis. # ECONOMY. Trade, public finances, rail transport, ports, and supplies affect a government's ability to maintain its policy. Disruptions accumulate over time. # PUBLIC OPINION AND INFORMATION. The press, political parties, national movements, trade unions, and public opinion influence governments. Communications rely on telegrams, embassies, newspapers, railways, and couriers; information may be delayed, incomplete, or misinterpreted. # TERRITORY. Sovereignty is distinct from diplomatic influence and administrative control. A territorial change requires a lasting decision or an effective transfer of authority; it does not result from a mere declaration.