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Franz Ferdinand
His assassination was the spark that lit the First World War — yet he had spent his career trying to reform the empire in ways that might have prevented one.
1863–1914
Life Journey
A timeline of inheritance, strain and a fatal summer
Follow the story in a more continuous narrative, with a reading mode that matches how much depth you want.
1863
Born to Privilege
Franz Ferdinand was born into the ruling Habsburg family, gaining status from birth but not initially standing close to the imperial throne.