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First Post
2 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: How the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo sparked World War I
On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggered a chain reaction that lead to World War I. This pivotal moment shattered European stability and ushered in a global conflict that reshaped the 20th Century read more The first page of the edition of the Domenica del Corriere, an Italian paper, with a drawing by Achille Beltrame depicting Gavrilo Princip killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo. As part of Firstpost's History Today series, June 28 stands out as a day that dramatically shaped global history across centuries. On this date in 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo ignited a chain of events that led to World War I. Five years later, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, formally ending the conflict. Decades later, the day also saw the eruption of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 — catalysing the modern LGBTQ rights movement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And in 1997, the infamous moment when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear during a boxing match. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand On June 28, 1914, a seemingly small, yet pivotal act of violence in Sarajevo sparked a chain reaction across Europe, ultimately igniting the conflagration known as World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated in an event that has since been studied as the flashpoint of modern history. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, born in 1863, served as Inspector General of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces. While conservative and militaristic by temperament, he was an advocate for systemic reforms aimed at modernising the empire and granting greater autonomy to Slavic minorities. He and Sophie's marriage had endured the scrutiny of imperial aristocracy. Sophie, not from a reigning noble family, was often marginalised at court despite the couple's devotion . The date chosen for their visit — June 28, 1914, coinciding with St Vitus's Day (Vidovdan) — was loaded with symbolism. It commemorated the 1389 Serbian defeat in Kosovo, connecting present-day Serb nationalist sentiment with historical grievance. The visit was intended to bolster imperial authority in Bosnia, formally annexed in 1908, on the anniversary of Bosnia's 1878 occupation — another symbolic affront to Serbian nationalists. At the time, Sarajevo was simmering with discontent. Bosnian Serbs and Yugoslav nationalists sought liberation from Austro-Hungarian rule and unification with Serbia. Influential nationalist and paramilitary groups like the Black Hand (Ujedinjenje ili Smrt) fostered militant sentiment and trained operatives for political violence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Bosnian Serb, joined Young Bosnia, a youth movement advocating Slavic unity. Princip and his five co-conspirators, equipped with bombs and pistols, trained and prepared for the assassination in discrete training camps, some allegedly sponsored by Serbian military factions. The royal procession began with high optimism. At approximately 10:15 am, Nedeljko Čabrinović seized the first opportunity, hurling a grenade at the Archduke's vehicle. Misjudging the motorcade's speed and configuration, the grenade bounced off the fold-down hood, exploding under the next car — injuring bystanders and driver but missing Franz Ferdinand. Despite the attack, Franz Ferdinand continued to the Town Hall for an impromptu reception, demonstrating both his bravery and obliviousness to the day's threats. Afterward, a fatal navigation error — possibly due to miscommunication in translation — led the motorcade to make a sudden right turn, pausing directly in front of Gavrilo Princip. Seizing the moment, Princip fired two shots at point-blank range: one fatally striking Franz Ferdinand in the jugular, the other hitting Sophie in the abdomen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The couple collapsed instantly. The world had changed irreversibly. Princip was detained immediately, still near the scene. He later confessed freely at his trial, citing patriotism and intention to liberate South Slavs from oppression. Younger than 20, he avoided the death penalty and received 20 years — ultimately dying of tuberculosis in prison in 1918. The Austro-Hungarian response was swift and severe. General Oskar Potiorek, local governor, authorised anti-Serb pogroms in Sarajevo, resulting in widespread destruction of property, detentions and fatalities. Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued a rigid ultimatum to Serbia on July 23, 1914, loaded with demands designed to be impossible to fulfill . Although Serbia conceded on most points, it refused to accept all terms — especially foreign judicial oversight — and Russia began partial mobilisation to protect its Slavic ally. Germany, interpreting this as hostility toward Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914. France and Britain, bound by alliances and strategic considerations, followed suit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By August 4, Europe was at war — not over Sarajevo but over a tangled web of alliances, militarism, imperial ambition and nationalism. World War I became the first truly industrialised global war. It introduced trench warfare, machine guns, chemical agents, tanks, naval blockades, aerial combat and battlefield medicine — all emerging during the war. Over 16 million perished — nearly 10 million military and close to 7 million civilians — along with the downfall of empires: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian and German . Culturally, the war produced a devastating rupture — seen in literature and art such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Dadaist movements. It fuelled revolutions, including in Russia, and laid ideological groundwork for fascism, communism and Nazism. Historiography continues to debate Princip's legacy. In Serbia, he is often hailed as a hero of national liberation; in Bosnia and Croatia, views remain critical, seeing him as extremist. A 2015 monument in Belgrade sparked controversy, highlighting divergent regional narratives. Historians also question fatal flaws in Austria-Hungary's diplomacy and the rigidity of alliances — like clockwork mobilisations turning minor crises into world war . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today, Sarajevo memorialises the assassination site with plaques and museums. A Sarajevo museum stands in the building where Franz Ferdinand was mortally wounded, and a statue of Princip in Istočno Sarajevo incites contested memory. Mike Tyson bites off part of Evander Holyfield's ear On June 28, 1997, aka The Bite Fight, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield squared off in Las Vegas during their WBA Heavyweight rematch. In the third round, a frustrated Tyson sank his teeth into Holyfield's right ear, tearing off a piece before biting again. Referee Mills Lane halted the match, disqualifying Tyson. The incident was a career-defining scandal — Tyson had his license revoked and paid a $3 million fine. Holyfield's ear was surgically reattached. Tyson later justified his actions, claiming frustration over Holyfield's alleged headbutts. The bizarre moment remains one of boxing's most infamous highlights. Stonewall Riots begin In the early hours of June 28, 1969, NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Patrons — tired of continual harassment — fought back, triggering violent clashes that lasted nearly a week. Though not the first LGBTQ protest, Stonewall is heralded as the flashpoint for the modern gay rights movement. The spontaneous resistance inspired pride marches, advocacy groups and landmark legal battles. Its legacy endures: June is recognised as Pride Month, and the event is commemorated through global rallies and educational efforts . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Treaty of Versailles signed On June 28, 1919, exactly five years after Franz Ferdinand's assassination, Allied and Associated powers signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The treaty imposed several punitive measures on Germany: the notorious War Guilt Clause (Article 231), substantial reparations, restrictions on military capabilities and loss of territory and overseas colonies Though hailed by Allied leaders as necessary to secure peace, it sowed deep resentment in Germany and contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and WWII. Despite its intentions to prevent future wars, the treaty is widely regarded as overly punitive. While the US Senate declined to ratify it, others adhered. The treaty took effect on January 10, 1920, shaping the interwar world. With inputs from agencies
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Possible strikers AC Milan could target this summer
Possible strikers AC Milan could target this summer AC Milan are gearing up for a new era under new manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has returned to San Siro after 11 years. Luka Modric is set to become the first of many signings in what promises to be a busy summer transfer window. Advertisement While a plethora of midfielders continue to get linked with Milan, signing a striker will be as important. The Rossoneri paid €32 million for Santiago Gimenez in February, but the Mexican has failed to replicate the sublime form he showed at Feyenoord. Alvaro Morata, who was signed last summer, struggled to make an impact before moving to Galatasaray on loan in the winter transfer window. Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham are also on the verge of leaving San Siro this summer. Here are the possible centre forwards Milan could target this summer Dusan Vlahovic The Serbian striker has been heavily linked with a move to Milan, with Allegri looking for a reunion after working with him at Juventus. Advertisement Vlahovic's future appears to lie far away from Juventus, who are open to cashing in on him this summer before his deal expires in a year. The former Fiorentina man has had mixed success with the Old Lady, failing to live up to his hefty €70 million transfer fee. A lot can be attributed to the Old Lady's collective decline in recent years, with Inter Milan and Napoli knocking them off their perch. Nevertheless, Vlahovic's talent is undeniable, and he can reach the top in the right environment. Vlahovic has a similar profile to Gimenez – tall, physical, predatory instincts inside the box and good build-up play. Advertisement Juve want to recoup at least €30 million from Vlahovic, and Milan can provide him with an escape route to revive his career. Moise Kean Kean has reinvented himself at Fiorentina after bagging 25 goals and four assists last season. The Italian's stock has skyrocketed, with several European heavyweights and Saudi clubs hot on his trail. Milan are among the interested parties for the former Everton star, but La Viola are trying to keep him for next season. Goncalo Ramos Goncalo Ramos provides an excellent opportunity for Milan as he faces an uncertain future at Paris Saint-Germain. The Portuguese striker has slipped down the pecking order under manager Luis Enrique following his €80m move from Benfica. Advertisement Still, Ramos has displayed his class and finishing prowess even with the limited opportunities, playing a part in PSG's treble last season. Ousmane Dembele has found unprecedented success after being converted into a No.9 and will continue to play in his newfound position next season. PSG might look to count Ramos as an ideal backup unless a huge offer knocks on their door. Milan need a young forward to spearhead their attack for years to come, and Ramos can be a top addition. Mateo Retegui Retegui enjoyed a breathtaking 2024/25 campaign with Atalanta, finishing as Serie A's top scorer with 25 goals. Advertisement He racked up 37 goal contributions in total to fortify his status as one of the finest strikers in Europe. The 26-year-old would be a brilliant signing for Milan, but it would be difficult to prise him away from Atalanta. Especially, the absence of Champions League football at Milan next season may not appeal to Retegui.
Canada News.Net
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Canada News.Net
Vucic Halts Ammunition Exports, Says Supplies Will Go To Serbian Army
Serbia is halting all ammunition exports following a decision by President Aleksandar Vucic as the Balkan country faces challenges over exports to Israel and Moscow's suspicions that ammunition made in Serbia has made its way to Ukraine. We've halted literally everything, and we are supplying our army, Vucic said on June 23 after reporters asked whether Serbia had chosen a side in the Israeli-Iranian conflict by exporting ammunition to Israel. Vucictold reportersafter attending a meeting with the Armed Forces Chief of General Staff that Serbia's arms exports to Israel following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas was one thing, and that today we have a different situation. Several hours after Vucic's comments, the Serbian Ministry of Defense said that any future exports of arms manufactured in Serbia would require the consent of the country's National Security Council and permission from other relevant authorities. Serbia also has faced pressure from Moscow, which recently criticized Serbia's position on arms exports. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) accused Serbia of exporting arms to Ukraine via third countries. Ammunition produced at Serbian defense enterprises, primarily for heavy long-range systems, is sent to NATO countries in the interests of Ukraine in the form of complete sets of parts for assembly, the SVR claimed in astatementon June 23. This allows Kyiv to formally receive military products that are no longer Serbian, but assembled at weapons factories in Western countries. SEE ALSO: Western Balkan Countries Reaffirm Support For Ukraine At Summit In Tirana Serbia's Ministry of Defense didn't respond to RFE/RL's requests to confirm or deny the SVR's allegations, which have not been addressed by Vucic or other Serbian officials. According to the SVR, Serbia's ammunition exports to Ukraine have strained ties between Belgrade and Moscow. It is regrettable that now these traditions of friendship and mutual assistance are crossed out by the thirst for profit and cowardly multi-vectorism, the SVR said in the statement. It claimed that the assembly and loading of ammunition produced in Serbia is carried out primarily in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. Neither the Czech nor the Bulgarian foreign ministry was available to comment on the Russian allegations following inquiries by RFE/RL. The Bulgarian military company EMCO Ltd., designated by the Russian SVR as one of the companies to which Serbia delivers ammunition for further shipment to Ukraine, strongly denied these allegations in comments to RFE/RL, calling them unfounded. We declare that this is not true. EMCO has not exported any material for the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for about 10 years, the company said. For more than three years, Vucic has endured pressure from both Brussels and Washington to impose sanctions on Russia after its unprecedented full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In May he made his first visit to Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concern in Brussels. Moscow, Russia--Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, May 9 2025 The European Commission on May 8advisedVucic to refrain from giving legitimacy to Putin's aggression against Ukraine. Vucic earlier this month received praise for Serbia's support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Odesa, wherethe two meton the margins of the Ukraine-South East Europe Summit. Serbia's official stance is that it fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, it has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow despite being a candidate country for the EU membership. Media reports on Serbia's ammunition exports to Ukraine, which Vucic and other top Serbian officials have denied, have been mounting over the years. In June 2024, the Financial Times reported that Serbias ammunition exports arriving in Ukraine via third parties totaled around 800 million euros since 2022. Commenting on these estimates at the time, Vucic said that export was a part of [Serbia's] economic revival and important for us. "Yes, we do export our ammunition," he said in an interview with theFinancial Times. "We cannot export to Ukraine or to Russia but we have had many contracts with Americans, Spaniards, Czechs, others. What they do with that in the end is their job." Precise data on what weapons and military equipment and in what quantities Serbia exports to Ukraine, Israel, and other countries is not publicly available, as in recent years the relevant ministry has not published annual reports on issued export permits on its website.
Observer
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Observer
China sacks coach Branko Ivankovic after World Cup flop
BEIJING: China's football association on Friday said it has sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after the country failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The decision followed a series of setbacks in qualifying for China, who have only ever played once in a World Cup. China lost 1-0 to Indonesia in early June, a result that effectively dashed the national team's hopes of qualifying. They ultimately finished second-to-last in their Asian group, with seven defeats in 10 matches. "As the Chinese men's national team failed to qualify for the play-off stage, the contract of the coach and his staff has been automatically terminated, in accordance with the stipulated terms," the Chinese Football Association said in a statement on Friday. "Branko Ivankovic will no longer lead the national team," it said, thanking the Croatian, who has coached Dinamo Zagreb and Iran, for his "hard work". The Serbian coach of the Chinese U-19 men's national team, Dejan Djurdjevic, has been appointed interim national coach, the CFA said. The Chinese team are ranked 94th in the world by Fifa, continuing a downward slide that began several years ago. The side have long been the target of ridicule by Chinese fans due to their poor results and the multiple corruption scandals plaguing the sport. President Xi Jinping has said he wanted China to win the World Cup one day, but the latest flop means they have only ever played there once, in 2002, when they failed to get a point or score a goal. — AFP
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
China sacks coach Branko Ivankovic after failure to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026
China's football association on Friday said it has sacked national coach Branko Ivankovic after the country failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The decision followed a series of setbacks in qualifying for China, which has only ever played once in a World Cup. China lost 1-0 to Indonesia in early June, a result that effectively dashed the national team's hopes of qualifying. It ultimately finished second-to-last in its Asian group, with seven defeats in 10 matches. 'As the Chinese men's national team failed to qualify for the play-off stage, the contract of the coach and his staff has been automatically terminated, in accordance with the stipulated terms,' the Chinese Football Association said in a statement Friday. ALSO READ | What is ailing the Chinese Super League? History, issues and the way forward 'Branko Ivankovic will no longer lead the national team,' it said, thanking the Croatian, who has coached Dinamo Zagreb and Iran, for his 'hard work'. The Serbian coach of the Chinese U-19 men's national team, Dejan Djurdjevic, has been appointed interim national coach, the CFA said. The Chinese team is ranked 94th in the world by FIFA, continuing a downward slide that began several years ago. The side has long been the target of ridicule by Chinese fans due to its poor results and the multiple corruption scandals plaguing the sport. President Xi Jinping has said he wanted China to win the World Cup one day, but the latest flop means it has only ever played there once, in 2002, when it failed to get a point or score a goal.
