Summary/Abstract: This paper presents the attempts of Nicholas II to prevent a local war on Austria-Hungary against Serbia growing into a large-scale war of the European powers. In the final phase of the July crisis, along with the actions of Russian diplomacy, he has taken his personal efforts to stop Europe falling into the abyss. Over the last five days of European peace Nicholas used the personal letters and telgraph, addressed with „Dear cousin and friend“ to Kaiser Wilhelm II and urged the common steps to be taken to prevent the outbreak of war. „Dear cousin“ joined the correspondence and reportedly expressed his willingness to contribute to the preservation of peace, but he and his generals were completing preparations for the declaration of war against Russia and France.
