Franz Ferdinand of Austria

Franz Ferdinand Historical Figure Nationality: Austria-Hungary Year of Birth: 1863 Year of Death: 1914 Cause of Death: Murder by firearm Religion: Catholicism Occupation: Nobleman, politician, heir to the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary Spouse: Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg Children: Three Relatives: Franz Joseph I of Austria (uncle); Maximilian I of Mexico (uncle); Charles I of Austria (nephew) House: Hapsburg Fictional Appearances: Franz Ferdinand of the House of Hapsburg (18 December 1863 - 28 June 1914), as the nephew of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, was an Archduke of Austria, Prince Imperial of Austria, Prince Royal of Hungary and Bohemia, and from 1896 until his death, heir presumptive to the throne of Austria-Hungary. He and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg were assassinated by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914. His death led to the great powers of Europe invoking their alliance systems against one another and going to war, touching off World War I. Franz Ferdinand in "Last Flight of the Swan of the East" Shared Universe Story "Last Flight of the Swan of the East" POD: 1878 Type of Appearance: Posthumous reference Date of Death: 1914 Cause of Death: Shot to death When Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie were shot to death by a Serbian maniac in Sarajevo in 1914, Austria-Hungary issued a number of ultimata against Serbia, which was supported by Russia. Austria-Hungary was in turn supported by the Empires of Germany and Japan. Russia invoked its alliance with France, who was in turn supported by the United States, and the Great War began. Franz Ferdinand in Southern Victory Southern Victory POD: September 10, 1862 Appearance(s): American Front; Blood and Iron Type of Appearance: Posthumous references Date of Death: 1914 Cause of Death: Murder by a bomb When the vehicle transporting Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie through Sarajevo were blown up by an assassin's bomb in 1914, Austria-Hungary issued a number of ultimata against Serbia, which was supported by Russia. Austria-Hungary was in turn supported by Germany and the United States. Russia invoked its alliances with Britain, France, and the Confederate States, and the Great War began. Franz Ferdinand's death inspired Arthur McGregor's last failed attempt to assassinate General George Armstrong Custer in 1922. See Also References to Historical Figures in Turtledove's Work for more minor references to the Archduke. Unnamed Crown Prince of the Dual Monarchy, an analog of Ferdinand in Every Inch a King. References