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The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

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How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 lead to a war?

Determining the significance of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in the larger chain of events that lead to World War I (WWI) requires an understanding of the larger political climate of late 19th century Europe. There are a three key terms that should be clarified before attempting to understand the complex interaction of events that lead to both Ferdinand's assassination and one of the bloodiest wars the world had ever seen. The terms are:
1. Balance of Power
2. "Eastern Question"
3. Brinksmanship

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Solution Summary

This solution will provide a short summary of the events and international political systems that influenced the start of World War I. There are references to other elements that can be researched and added to any essay that seeks to explain whether the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a cause of one of the bloodiest wars the world had ever seen, or if his death was just an excuse for the Great Powers to make a power grab for territory.

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The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Did it start World War I?

Determining the significance of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in the larger chain of events that lead to World War I (WWI) requires an understanding of the larger political climate of late 19th century Europe. There are a three key terms that should be clarified before attempting to understand the complex interaction of events that lead to both Ferdinand's assassination and one of the bloodiest wars the world had ever seen. The terms are:
1. Balance of Power
2. The "Eastern Question"
3. Brinksmanship.
The Balance of Power system can be traced to the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the collective agreement among the Great Powers to choose diplomacy over war in managing their differences The Balance of Power system of international relations asserts that countries must seek alliances with other countries as a way of preventing any one nation from obtaining a preponderance of power. One of the most important elements of this system is a country's flexibility to ...

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