Austria, once one of the many German states, was compelled to withdraw from the German Empire after suffering defeat at the hands of Prussia in the struggle for leadership.
Under the leadership of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary formed a dual monarchy known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Together with its other components, the Austro-Hungarian Empire remained one of the most formidable nations in the world, forging a close military and political alliance with the German Empire.
Despite the sharp domestic conflicts and numerous issues plaguing the empire, it continued to seek expansion, with a particular focus on the southern Balkans. However, this region was also a target for Russian expansion, leading to several confrontations between Austria-Hungary and Russia over control of the Balkans.
Austria-Hungary aimed to annex Serbia, thereby extending its influence in the Balkans, while Russia supported Serbia's aspirations to establish a unified and stronger South Slavic state.
In the early 20th century, Serbia, having liberated itself from Turkish rule, emerged as a powerful force in the Balkans and became the heart of the South Slavic movement against foreign domination. The South Slavs in Bosnia and Herzegovina fervently sought to escape Austro-Hungarian rule and unite with Serbia to establish a unified South Slavic nation. This burgeoning movement deeply unsettled the Habsburg rulers.
Consequently, Austria-Hungary intensified its preparations for war aimed at dismantling Serbia, with the plans being orchestrated by Archduke Ferdinand and Chief of Staff Conrad von Hötzendorf.
During this time, anti-Austrian propaganda and nationalist groups emerged in Serbia. In 1908, the "Defensive Committee" was established, followed by the "Black Hand" in 1911. Both organizations were influenced by the anarchist ideologies represented by figures such as Bakunin and Kropotkin. The "Defensive Committee" advocated guerrilla warfare to thwart Austro-Hungarian annexation, recruiting and training volunteers, while the "Black Hand" promoted terrorist actions with the aim of unifying all Serb peoples.
In May 1914, German Chief of Staff Moltke conferred with Hötzendorf on war plans against Serbia. On June 12, Archduke Ferdinand met with Kaiser Wilhelm II at his castle in Konopischt to finalize plans for military action, both believing that Russia, embroiled in domestic difficulties, would be unable to intervene in the Balkan conflict. The Kaiser assured Ferdinand that should Russia engage in the Austro-Serbian conflict, Germany would support Austria-Hungary.
Bolstered by German backing, Austria-Hungary decided to conduct large-scale military exercises in Sarajevo, Bosnia, close to the Serbian border, on June 28, a date commemorating Serbia's conquest by the Turks in 1386. The exercises were to simulate an engagement with Serbia, involving two corps, and Ferdinand and his wife resolved to inspect the maneuvers personally.
This move provoked the ire of Serbian nationalists. The "Black Hand" and local nationalist groups in Bosnia, known as "Young Bosnia," plotted to assassinate Ferdinand. The Serbian government, having discovered the plot, sought to thwart it, fearing the repercussions of such an act. They knew Serbia would struggle to withstand an Austro-Hungarian assault, particularly as Russia had not yet completed its military reorganization and could not provide substantial aid.
Despite efforts to prevent the "Black Hand" members from crossing into Bosnia, some managed to infiltrate the region with the assistance of border guards. The Serbian government cautioned the Austro-Hungarian authorities about Ferdinand's impending visit to Bosnia, warning of potential danger, but this warning was disregarded.
After the exercises concluded, Ferdinand and his wife rode in an open car through the streets, where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. He felt a sense of satisfaction, believing in the inevitability of Austria-Hungary's dominance over Serbia and the Balkans.
However, he was oblivious to the looming danger. Among the cheering crowd were several Serbian assassins. Suddenly, one of them surged forward, throwing a bomb at the car from a short distance.
"Boom!" The explosion sent the crowd into chaos.
"Protect His Highness!" shouted the commander of the guards as soldiers quickly surrounded Ferdinand's vehicle.
Fortunately, Ferdinand seemed to have escaped unharmed; the bomb merely grazed him.
After the initial panic subsided, Ferdinand regained his composure. "I am fine; the procession shall continue!" he commanded, convinced that he had weathered the danger.
"Your Highness, we must return to the hotel immediately for your safety!" insisted the guard commander, denying Ferdinand's wishes.
After deliberation, Ferdinand acquiesced to the guards' counsel. The motorcade began to change direction, heading back to the hotel, but at that moment, a new crisis erupted.
As Ferdinand and his wife turned a corner, another member of the secret organization, the nineteen-year-old Princip, dashed forward and fired upon them.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Several shots rang out as Princip emptied his pistol. In an instant, Ferdinand and his wife lay in a pool of blood.
"Oh God! Protect the Archduke! Seize that assassin!" the guards shouted in disarray.
When they reached Ferdinand and his wife, they realized both had succumbed to their wounds. Ferdinand's eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief that his life had come to such an abrupt end. All his ambitions were now rendered meaningless.
Little did Ferdinand know that his assassination would trigger a global conflict, drawing all major powers into a war that would claim millions of lives.