Overview
This lecture covers the background of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, his assassination in Sarajevo in 1914, and its political consequences—triggering World War I.
Franz Ferdinand: Background and Personality
- Franz Ferdinand was born in 1863 and became heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne after two deaths in the royal family.
- He was disliked by many in the aristocracy despite his high position and wealth.
- His marriage to Duchess Sophia, a non-royal, excluded his family from succession rights and social acceptance.
- Ferdinand was known for his conservatism, Catholicism, and prejudiced attitudes toward Hungarians, Slavs, and Serbs.
- He was passionate about hunting and recorded killing over 250,000 animals in his lifetime.
The Assassination Plot
- Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Young Bosnians, planned to assassinate Franz Ferdinand during his visit to Bosnia.
- The plot was supported by the Black Hand, a Serbian secret society, providing weapons and training.
- Several failed attempts occurred before Princip shot and killed the Archduke and his wife on June 28, 1914, after a series of coincidental events.
Immediate Aftermath and Consequences
- News of the assassination spread rapidly throughout Europe.
- Austrian authorities responded by imprisoning and executing thousands of Serbs in Bosnia.
- Princip was imprisoned due to being too young for the death penalty under Austrian law.
- Most European leaders dismissed the event as typical Balkan violence; there was little public mourning for Franz Ferdinand.
Political Irony and Historical Impact
- Franz Ferdinand opposed war with Russia and supported a Slavic component within the empire for stability.
- His assassination removed the one leader capable of preventing war between Austria-Hungary and Russia.
- The killing served as Austria-Hungary's justification to invade Serbia, leading directly to World War I.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand — Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, assassinated in 1914.
- Duchess Sophia — Ferdinand's wife, not of royal blood; excluded from succession.
- Young Bosnians — Secret society supporting Balkan nationalism and violence.
- Black Hand — Serbian secret organization that aided the assassination plot.
- Bi-partite state — Austria-Hungary's dual monarchy structure; Ferdinand envisioned adding a Slavic third part.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch episodes 1 and 2 of the Great War series for additional context.