The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
By Donavin Long
Thesis Even the smallest groups or individuals can have a dramatic effect on world history. Whereas they may not have a direct impact, the actions that they take may lead to more major events that can change history. The death of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand is a significant one; just his death led to WWI and the death of millions. His death acted as the spark for WWI.
Early Life of Franz Franz was born in 1863 in Austria, he was the eldest son of Archduke Carl Ludwig. He began his military career at just the age of 12. He was quickly promoted to the rank of general at the age of 31. In 1894, he fell in love with Countess Sophie Chotek.
Career and Accomplishments Franz Ferdinand was set up to be the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His military career started early in life and he quickly went up in rank. Franz’ public figure was made out to be short-tempered and cold. Many even thought that he was insane due to inbreeding among his family. Ferdinand proposed a change in government and the idea didn’t go well with other elite powers which only fed the flame of his proposed insanity.
Assassination Franz and his wife accepted an invitation to visit the capital of Bosnia. He and his wife were traveling in a motorcade in a open-topped car. A grenade was thrown at the car which injured many members of the entourage. On the way back to the safety palace, 19 year old Gavrilo Princip was waiting and fired on Franz.
Effects of Franz’ Death The death of Franz gave Austria-Hungary the opportunity to declare war on Serbia. After this Europe quickly fell into chaos and things escalated. Russia declared war on Austria-Hungary, Germany declared war on Russia, and France and Britain declared war on Germany. This was the spark that started World War 1.
Works Cited Page “Research Guides: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction.” Loc.gov, 2019, guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-assassination-franz-ferdinand. Accessed 11 May 2022.
Backhouse, Fid. “Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria-Este | Biography, Assassination, & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Ferdinand-Archduke-of-Austria-Este. Accessed 17 May 2022. Biography.com Editors. “Franz Ferdinand.” Biography, 28 Apr. 2017, www.biography.com/political-figure/franz-ferdinand. Accessed 18 May 2022. “Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand | NZHistory, New Zealand History Online.” Govt.nz, 2016, nzhistory.govt.nz/page/assassination-archduke-ferdinand. Accessed 18 May 2022.
Dedication Page This zine is dedicated to people who want to learn more about World War 1 and specifically how this war started. People should know how such a major and life changing war for so many people was caused.