August 4 in Military History — On This Day

⚔️📍 London, England1914

Britain Declares War on Germany — WWI Becomes Global

Britain delivered an ultimatum to Germany demanding withdrawal from Belgium by midnight; Germany ignored it, and Britain declared war. Foreign Secretary Grey said: 'The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.'

British entry brought the vast resources of the British Empire into WWI and ultimately ensured Allied victory — also drawing Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand into the conflict.

Outcome

British Empire enters WWI; global war confirmed

Battle of the Pusan Perimeter

Pushed to the southeastern tip of the peninsula, UN forces established a defensive perimeter around the port city of Pusan — roughly 140 miles long and 50 miles wide. General Walker famously issued his 'stand or die' order. For six brutal weeks, North Korean forces launched relentless assaults across the Naktong River while the US rushed reinforcements and supplies through the vital port. The outnumbered UN forces bent repeatedly but did not break.

The Pusan Perimeter was the last stand that prevented North Korean conquest of the entire peninsula. The successful defense preserved a foothold for the dramatic Inchon counteroffensive and demonstrated the resilience of combined UN forces under extreme pressure.

Full battle details →