Assassination at Sarajevo: The Spark That Started World War I

Children's Literature - Kristy Lyn Sutorius

Archduke Franz Ferdinand's last few days are deftly chronicled in this addition to the "Snapshots in History" series. Austria-Hungary's attempt to control the Slavs by annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina stirred an already simmering pot in Europe. With many "Serbian people [dreaming] of uniting the entire region in one large Slavic nation" and given the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913, the region was experiencing instability. Political assassinations were the deed of the day, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the catalyst that began the "war to end all wars." Doak's examination of the event conveys all of the excitement of a football commentator, calling out maneuvers, profiling the players, and rousing the crowd. The Black Hand, a group dead-set on Serbian revolution, was responsible for orchestrating the tragic murders. This book offers particular insight into the members' motives and plans, culminating with their trial. Particularly interesting are the portions of the book which describe how Sophie's socio-economic position effected the way she was treated when she became a duchess. The only thing missing is a family tree. Doak has succeeded in creating a riveting account of a most monumental event. Recommended for those looking to update or enhance a spare World War I collection. Reviewer: Kristy Lyn Sutorius