The Great War: 100 Years Ago

War becomes inevitable as Austro-Hungary issues an ultimatum to Serbia.  Austro-Hungary hoped that it could rapidly defeat Serbia and leave the annexing an accomplish fact before Russia or France with their powerful armies could react.  The ultimatum… more »

On the 22nd of July, 2014, the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foriegn Affairs, Count Leopold Berchtold, presented what it considered a final ultimatum to the Serbians. Vienna, July 22, 1914  Your Excellency will present the following note to the Royal… more »

Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was interred at Artstetten Castle on the 14th of July, 1914.   Traditionally the Hapsburg royalty are buried at the Capuchin Church Imperial Vaults in Vienna, but Franz Ferdinand's wife Sophie was not of close royal… more »

Wilhelm II publically spoke on the crisis in Serbia by stating that he felt Austria should use force to settle accounts with Serbia.  His statement was widely seen around the world as indicating that Germany would soon become involved in the war… more »

On June 28th, 1914, Archeduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were killed by an assasination team lead by Danilo Ilić of Young Bosnia, and organized by Black Hand leader Dragutin Dimitrijević.   Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the mulit-national… more »