Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which occurred on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, was one of the key events that triggered World War I.
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.
- The assassination took place during a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Austria-Hungary subsequently issued an ultimatum to Serbia, triggering a series of diplomatic and military responses among the European powers that were bound by various alliances and treaties.
- These actions ultimately led to a widespread conflict that engulfed much of Europe and later expanded into a global war.
New technologies and weapons
- During World War I, several significant technological advancements and weapons were introduced, revolutionizing the nature of warfare.
- Tanks were introduced as a solution to the stalemate of trench warfare.
- Chemical weapons, such as mustard gas and chlorine gas, were deployed for the first time in warfare during World War I.
- These toxic substances inflicted severe injuries, respiratory problems, and death, causing widespread terror and suffering among soldiers.
- Aviation technology also rapidly advanced during World War I.
- Initially used for reconnaissance, aircraft later played a crucial role in aerial combat and bombardment.
The Treaty of Versailles
- The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, formally concluded World War I and imposed significant terms on Germany.
- It held Germany solely responsible for the war, demanding substantial reparations and territorial concessions.
- The treaty drastically limited the German military and led to the establishment of the League of Nations, aimed at promoting international cooperation and preventing future conflicts.
