1914: If Germany goes East how does the war spread

For World War I to spread beyond an Austro-Serbian war, the other great powers have to either Declare war or cross a border. In OTL the war spread when the Germans declared war on Russia and sent their ultimatum to Belgium. The German declaration is made August 1 to cover the German planned invasion of Belgium/Luxembourg on August2. The British follow after the Belgium invasion on August 4.

If the Germans go East, however, there is no need to Declare War until the Germans either cross the Russian border or the Russians invade Germany or Austria. This then leaves France and Britain who must declare war or stay out.

So what do you think the timetable would be? Would Germany still declare war on August 2 or would they wait. IF they wait, how long can they and when do Britain and France join
 
France will undeniably join in support of Russia against Germany, so their entrance is rather instant. Britain would likely stay neutral for a long time until it felt that Germany was in too much of a powerful position in Europe. So Russia will likely collapse sooner than OTL and France likely won't last long afterwards.
 

NoMommsen

Donor
France will undeniably join in support of Russia against Germany, so their entrance is rather instant. Britain would likely stay neutral for a long time until it felt that Germany was in too much of a powerful position in Europe. So Russia will likely collapse sooner than OTL and France likely won't last long afterwards.
Well, to be a wee bit more precise :
somewhere around 12th August, most likely with commencing of hostilities against Germany at 14th/14th.
That was, what during the night of 1st August was agreed upon by Isvolsky, Viviani and Poincarè, after Isvolsky informed them - slightly panicked - about the german DoW.
... if the germans don't attack France earlier.

That was the date the french deployment/concentration as planned in Plan XVII would have been completed. And the start of hostilities was "contracted" between France and Russia already in 1913.
 
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