June 28: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sophie (1914)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people tempted to use terror and violence to achieve their political goals.
History Note
At the beginning of the 20th century, European nations were competing with each other for overseas colonies and military prestige. To make matters more complicated, government leaders created alliances with other countries for mutual defense. Ethnic, cultural, and political differences contributed to a tense situation.
On June 28, 1914, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, Sophie, were visiting Sarajevo in Bosnia. As they rode through the streets of Sarajevo, a Serbian man assassinated the royal couple. This incident triggered a series of international demands and threats that soon erupted in a world war.
The conflict eventually involved combatants from every continent. After five years of brutal warfare, perhaps 16 million people were dead, including soldiers and civilians. Millions more were wounded and displaced.
The Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended the war, was signed on June 28, 1919.
This photo shows Sophie and Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo shortly before they were shot. Image courtesy the Polona Digital Library.
Learn More
This video looks at the events in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.
Please Note: The video mentions blood and the mortal wounds that killed Franz Ferdinand and Sophie.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
