The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

After the following events, all the countries were ready for war, they expected it. Things were brewing from all 6 countries (Britain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Russia). The two alliances- Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia, formed in 1907) and the Triple Alliance (Austria-Hungary, Italy and Germany, formed in 1882)-just needed a spark to ignite the war. This spark that possibly became the most likely cause of the start of war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. He was hated by the Bosnian people, because he made it clear that when he became emperor, things would change for his countries benefit and also because of the Balkan Crisis (when Austria Hungary gained control of Bosnia Herzegovina in 1908). Of course everyone was nationalist in those days. Everyone believed that their country was the best, the richest and the most powerful. They believed that they had the biggest empire and each person patriot to one’s country. Obviously did not like being ruled by another country especially a country that’s in the triple alliance. But many small countries did fear Austria-Hungary, because of one man who was powerful and rich.

On 28th June 1914, Franz Ferdinand and his pregnant wife (Sophia)-were killed by a Serb nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, while on formal visit to Sarajevo (capital of Bosnia/Herzegovina). He and his wife were there to inspect the Austro-Hungarian troops.

A Serbian terrorist group (named the Black Hand) had heard about the news of the Archduke’s visit and had planned several attacks to end his life. All seven young men of the group were specially trained in marksmanship and bomb throwing. Each was stationed along the route that the Archduke’s car would go. The first two terrorists were unable to throw there bombs because the street was too crowded, and the car was traveling quite fast. The third terrorist threw a grenade which exploded on the car after the Archduke’s. Although the archduke and his wife were unhurt, some of his attendants were injured and had to be taken to hospital. The Archduke insisted on visiting them at the hospital. But on the way there, the driver took a wrong turn and had to reverse. Gavrilo decided to take this chance and fired two bullets through the window. The first hit the pregnant Sophia in the stomach, which she died almost instantly.