World War

World War I was a military conflict centered on Europe that began in the summer of 1914. The fighting ended in late 1918. This conflict involved all of the world's great powers, assembled in two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. It was a gorgeous sunny morning in Sarajevo as Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his beautiful wife Sop... hie left an Austrian troop exercise and began their motorcade through the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the warning that a rebellion was in the air, The Archduke and his wife decided to tour the capital on their way to a reception at city hall. Unbeknownst to the Royal Party and their entourage, the Serbian terrorist party, the Black Hand, had plotted to assassinate Ferdinand. Seven Serbian assassins were strategically located throughout the town, each waiting for the opportunity to eliminate the Archduke before he had the opportunity to ascend to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from where he could continue to persecute the Serbs who were living within the Austro-Hungarian regions. Having gained their independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878 the Serbs settled into the regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fires of anger were lit when the Berlin Congress allowed Austria-Hungary to occupy the regions, including those settled by the Serbs. To further antagonize the Serbs, in 1908, Austria-Hungary authoritatively annexed all of occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Motorcade continued its journey through the Bosnian streets oblivious to the fact that they were targets for the Black Hand. Eventually, as was hoped, the motorcade traveled a street where one of the assassins had been placed. Upon seeing the convoy, Gabrinovic singled out the Royal car and tossed an explosive device. The driver quickly applied the gas; the Archduke deflected the bomb, sending it to the car behind where it exploded, demolishing the following sedan and severely injuring his aides. Students and Teachers of US History this is a video of Stanley and Christopher ...Read More