1914

"We are Fighting in Defence." . .

"War has been forced upon us. We believe unshakeably that all our faithful subjects will rise with unanimity and devotion for the defence of Russian soil."

—Tsar Nicholas II., Aug., 1914.

"With all our energies we sought to prolong peace. But War has been forced upon the peoples of this Empire. Great Britain enters the War to defend the soil and the independence of Belgium, and the integrity of our Empire."

—Sir Edward Grey, Aug., 1914.

"From the proofs that have been given you, you will see how my Government, and especially my Chancellor, strove up to the last moment to preserve peace. Now we take up arms in sacred defence of the Fatherland."

—Kaiser Wilhelm, Aug. 4, 1911.

"We look upon this as a purely defensive war which has been forced on us."

—Count Berehfold, Foreign Minister of Austria-Hungary, Aug. 5, 1914.