Wilhelm approved a routine birthday telegram to Serbia's king because withholding it might reveal German intentions. Austria-Hungary then waited until the Franco-Russian summit had ended before delivering its ultimatum. That timing left the French president and senior advisers at sea during the most urgent diplomatic phase. Concealment and communications geography shaped the crisis alongside formal alliance commitments.
Notable Point · 1:04:46-1:06:23
Concealment and the timing of the ultimatum
Berlin maintained normal appearances while Vienna delayed its ultimatum until French and Russian leaders could no longer coordinate face to face.