Episode One: Franz Ferdinand

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For our very first episode, we discuss the life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. His assassination on June 28th, 1914 sparked the First World War. When you hear about his plans for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, you’ll wonder how different 20th century history might have been had he not been killed before having the opportunity to rule.

Additionally, while podcasting, Stephen and I sampled some wine to go with the Austro-Hungarian theme: Steindorfer Apetlon Rouge from Austria and Evolucio Furmint from Hungary. I’m afraid Austria won this round.

The following are our sources for this episode. Beware! Some do contradict one another.

Hergesell, A. (2001, October). Echoes of World War I. Europe, 44.

Hochschild, A. (2011). To end all wars. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

King, G. & Woolmans, S. (2013). The assassination of the archduke. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.

Tuchman, B. (1962). The guns of August. New York, NY: Random House.

Von Habsburg, O. (1999, March 8). I know this will end badly. Newsweek, 133(10), 34.