The assassination is often described as the 'proximate cause' of World War I. What does this mean?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: It was the direct trigger for the underlying tensions
While long-term factors like militarism and alliances were already present, the assassination served as the 'spark' in the powder keg. It provided the specific diplomatic crisis that set the alliance system into motion.
Keep practicing
More Assassination of Franz Ferdinand questions
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place in which city?
- Who was the 19-year-old Serbian nationalist who fired the fatal shots?
- The assassins were armed and supported by which secret Serbian military society?
- What was the date of the assassination, which also coincided with a significant Serbian national holiday?
- What was the primary political goal of the assassins?
- What mistake led the Archduke’s car directly into the path of the assassin after an earlier failed attempt?