The Kaiser’s Order for German Mobilization (August 1, 1914) Wilhelm II ordered the mobilization of German troops after the Russians mobilized their army against the Austro-Hungarian Empire on July 31, 1914. The order was given on August 1, 1914; three days later German troops marched into Belgium, and Great Britain declared war on Germany. The First World War had begun. The mobilization order reads: “I herewith decree: The German Army and the Imperial Navy are to be made ready for war in accordance with the mobilization plans for the German Army and the Imperial Navy. / August 2, 1914, will be set as the first day of mobilization, Berlin, August 1, 1914. / Wilhelm / Bethmann Hollweg / To the Imperial Chancellor, Imperial Admiralty, and the Minister of War.”