16.2.1

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Test yourself

The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The rivalries between the Great Powers were so intense that Europe was on the brink of war. The trigger was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June 1914 AD in Sarajevo, Bosnia.

Illustrative background for The assassinationIllustrative background for The assassination ?? "content

The assassination

  • Archduke Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
  • 28 June 1914 AD: the Archduke and his wife were in Bosnia, the area annexed by Austria-Hungary. They were there to inspect the army.
  • During the visit, the Archduke and his wife were shot by a Bosnian Serb called Gavrilo Princip.
Illustrative background for The political responseIllustrative background for The political response ?? "content

The political response

  • The assassination of the Archduke was nothing new for the Austro-Hungarians. Two royals had been assassinated in the past 20 years.
  • The difference was how politicians responded in the next six weeks.
Illustrative background for Consequences of the assassinationIllustrative background for Consequences of the assassination ?? "content

Consequences of the assassination

  • Austria-Hungary wanted to use the assassination to attack Serbia.
  • They believed that the Serbian government had secretly helped the assassins.
Illustrative background for Austria-Hungary and GermanyIllustrative background for Austria-Hungary and Germany ?? "content

Austria-Hungary and Germany

  • Austria-Hungary asked for Germany's help to attack Serbia.
  • 5 July 1914 AD: Austria-Hungary received full German support in the ‘blank cheque’.
Illustrative background for Serbia and RussiaIllustrative background for Serbia and Russia ?? "content

Serbia and Russia

  • In response, Serbia asked for Russian support against the threat of Austria-Hungary and Germany.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium