his generals in July 1914 that no plans even existed for partial, defensive mobilization of the reserves to deter Austria-Hungary from making further threats against Serbia. Russia was forced to muster its forces against Germany as well. In Berlin, the offensive mentality reinforced fears that the Russian bear, if not struck first, would overwhelm Germany. As a result, Germany declared war on Russia on August 1, and general war soon broke out.
Van Evera believes that if Europe's leaders had understood...