"Gentlemen, the Serbia people arrogantly rejected our request. They assassinated Crown Prince of the Empire, and at the same time they dared to refuse our request. This undoubtedly shows that this assassination of Crown Prince was completely Serbia The people have been planning this for a long time. Empire must punish the Serbia people and let them know the price of provoking Empire!" Austro-Hungarian Imperial Army Chief of Staff Marshal von Hotzendorf said with an angry look.
Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I was sitting on his throne, looking tired and not knowing what he was thinking. Are you thinking about the future war situation, Austro-Hungarian Empire's fate in this war, or who will succeed Empire's Crown Prince position after Archduke Ferdinand is assassinated. After all, Franz Joseph I is now 84 years old and does not have much time left.
Austro-Hungarian Empire's other ministers and military generals also started clamoring. They all believe that the time has come for the Austro-Hungarian Empire to annex Serbia and dominate Balkan Peninsula. What awaits them will be a brilliant victory.
"Friedrich, are the troops ready?" Franz Joseph I asked.
"Your Majesty, our six legions are ready for battle!" Archduke Friedrich replied.
Austro-Hungarian Empire As a large country with a population of more than 50 million, with a little mobilization, the total strength of the army can be expanded to more than one million. However, among these armies, there are very few that truly possess strong combat effectiveness. Not to mention anything else, the language problem alone was enough to make the officers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapse.
Because Austro-Hungarian Empire has many ethnic groups and different languages. This often results in an army having people who speak multiple languages. This results in officers often not being able to understand what the soldiers are saying, and soldiers even more unable to understand the officers' orders. Coupled with the lack of training, the will to fight is weak. It is simply impossible to expect such a force to have strong combat effectiveness.
However, the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire obviously did not think of this. In their view, Serbia is just a small country with a population of three million. Even if all their people were soldiers, they would not be as large as the fully mobilized Austro-Hungarian Empire army. Under such circumstances, how could they be Austro-Hungarian Empire's opponents?
"Your Majesty, according to the battle plan we formulated. If Russia does not start a war with the Empire. Then, of the six legions of the Imperial Army, three will be dispatched to attack Serbia. Two will defend Russia. In addition, One serves as the reserve team. If Russia starts a war against the Empire, then Imperial Army will dispatch two legions to attack Serbia, three legions will defend Russians, and the other one will serve as the reserve team." Marshal von Hotzendorf reported.
"If Russians launches an attack on us, can our army withstand it?" Prime Minister Mario Weber was worried.
Although Russia was defeated by the dwarf from the East a few years ago. However, the name of the Russia steam roller is not earned for nothing.
"Russia's military power is indeed very strong. However, we are not fighting alone. As long as Russia dares to attack us, Germany will send troops to help us." Marshal von Hotzendorf said.
"Germany? Their main enemy is on the Western Front." Foreign Minister Leopold von Baron von Berchtold said.
"Germany does not need to send the main force to the eastern front. It only needs a part of the force to contain a considerable part of Russians's force. Moreover, our mobilization is still continuing. Soon, we will have enough troops to deal with Russians!" Archduke Friedrich also said.
"Okay, everyone. Since the army is ready and confident in the future war, then we should believe in the army. Believe that they can do it. Next, leave everything to the army! The fate of the Empire lies in this battle! May God bless Austro-Hungarian Empire!" Franz Joseph I said.
"God bless Austro-Hungarian Empire!" everyone said loudly.
Austrian Emperor Franz? Joseph I has an extremely high reputation in the Empire. No one can object to what he decides. It can be said that Franz Joseph I was the pinnacle of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With him around, Austro-Hungarian Empire is a powerful country and one of the top powers in the world. But unfortunately, Franz Joseph I is too old and will not live much longer. If Austro-Hungarian Empire is defeated this time and there is no capable heir who can inherit the entire Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire will fall apart right before our eyes.
On July 28, the Austro-Hungarian Empire government officially declared war on Serbia on the grounds that Serbia rejected Austria-Hungary the Empire's Demand. World War, because of the declaration of war of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, officially kicked off.
Faced with the Austro-Hungarian Empire's declaration of war, Serbia asked for help from the Russian Empire on the one hand, and mobilized on the other. The army was deployed at the border to prepare for the invasion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
However, the strength gap between the two sides is really too big. Without the help of external forces, Serbia is no match for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
After declaring war on Serbia, Austro-Hungarian Empire's army, which had been prepared for a long time, launched a massive attack on Serbia. Because it is unclear whether Russian Empire will go to war with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Therefore, Austro-Hungarian Empire only sent two legions to participate in the attack in the early stage. But even so, it's not something Serbia can resist.
Russian Empire has always regarded Serbia as his little brother and supports Serbia's expansion on Balkan Peninsula. Austro-Hungarian Empire dared to ignore Russian Empire's warning and launch an attack on Serbia. Of course, Tsar Nicholas II couldn't accept it.
Under the command of Tsar Nicholas II, Russian Empire began the general mobilization. At the same time, troops began to move toward the border.
France, as an ally of the Russian Empire, immediately began mobilization and troop deployment.
Germany is an ally of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and promises to provide support to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After discovering the actions of the Russian Empire and France, a warning was immediately issued.
On July 31, Germany proposed Ultimatum to Russia and France, asking them to stop the general mobilization. If Russia uses the army to support Serbia, Germany will not hesitate to fight. However, both Russia and France rejected Germany's request and continued to mobilize. On July 31st, Germany officially declared war on Russia. And Russia immediately declared war on Germany. The scale of the war further expanded.