Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was one of the key events that led to the outbreak of World War I. The assassination took place on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The perpetrators were members of a nationalist group called the Black Hand, which sought the independence of South Slavic peoples from Austro-Hungarian rule.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were visiting Sarajevo when they were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb and member of the Black Hand. The assassination set off a chain of events that ultimately led to the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary against Serbia, triggering a series of alliances and escalations that culminated in the outbreak of World War I.

Study Guide

1. Causes of the Assassination: Explore the political, social, and nationalist tensions in the Balkans that led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
2. Key Players: Identify the individuals involved in the assassination, including Gavrilo Princip, the Black Hand, and Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie.
3. Immediate Consequences: Analyze the immediate aftermath of the assassination, including Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia and the subsequent declaration of war.
4. Long-Term Impact: Examine how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contributed to the outbreak of World War I and its far-reaching consequences.
5. Historical Significance: Discuss the historical significance of the assassination and its role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

By studying the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, you can gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that led to the outbreak of World War I and its profound impact on global history.

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