The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand : The Immediate Cause of WW1

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassination

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Chotek is considered by many historians to be the single most important immediate cause of World War One.

The book begins with an overview of the assassination itself; looking at what took place in Sarajevo on that fateful morning on the 28 June 1914 and answering the questions of who was responsible for the archduke’s death and why he was targetted in the first place.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The victim of the assassination is then looked at in more detail; covering Franz Ferdinand’s relationship with his uncle, Emperor Franz Joseph, and his morganatic marriage to Sophie Chotek, the Duchess of Hohenberg, who was also murdered in the attack.

Gavrilo Princip

Focus is then directed towards the assassin, Gavrilo Princip, where his early background and education is considered, as well as his relationship with the Black Hand. Princip’s trial and sentencing are also discussed, as are his death and legacy.

The Black Hand and Young Bosnia

The two secret societies pulling the strings in the background are then examined in turn, identifying those key figures in the Black Hand and Young Bosnia who played a part in the assassination.

Gavrilo Princip Sandwich

This is then followed by a look at the infamous Gavrilo Princip Sandwich, as well as some of the other myths surrounding the events that took place during and after the archduke’s assassination.

The Most Immediate of World War 1 Causes

Finally, the concept of the assassination being the most immediate world war one cause is discussed and whether or not the war could have been avoided despite the assassination.

Interesting Did You Know? snippets of information feature throughout the book, and there are questions and answers at the end of each section to test the reader's knowledge of the subject.

Who is this book aimed at?

This Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand book is all about the most immediate of the WW1 causes and is ideal for children and adults alike. These pre WWI books are accessible and interesting enough for kids and teenagers to enjoy, but are detailed enough to satisfy older students and history buffs.