August 1914

Saturday 01:

Germany declares war on Russia at the opening of World War I.

Monday 03:

First World War: Germany declares war against France.

Tuesday 04:

World War I: Germany invaded Belgium; in response, the United Kingdom declares war on Germany. The United States proclaims neutrality.

Wednesday 05:

In Cleveland, Ohio, the first electric traffic light is installed.

Thursday 06:

Ten German U-boats leave their base in Heligoland to attack Royal Navy warships in the North Sea, begining the First Battle of the Atlantic.

Wednesday 12:

World War I: Beginning of the Battle of Cer between Austria-Hungary and Serbia

Saturday 15:

The Panama Canal opens to traffic

Monday 17:

World War I: The German army of General Hermann von Francois defeats the Russian force commanded by Pavel Rennenkampf at the Battle of Stalluponen.

Thursday 20:

World War I: German forces occupy Brussels.

Saturday 22:

World War I: In Belgium, British and German troops clash for the first time in the war.

Sunday 23:

Japan declares war on Germany and bombs Qingdao, China.

Monday 24:

World War I: German troops capture Namur.

Wednesday 26:

World War I: The German colony of Togoland is invaded by French and British forces, who take it after 5 days.

Friday 28:

The British fleet beats the German fleet in the Battle of Heligoland Bight.

Sunday 30:

Battle of Tannenberg

Monday 31:

Ecuador becomes a signatory to the Buenos Aires copyright treaty.