Franz Ferdinand’s assassination was tragic but good for peace, the New York Times announced 100 years ago. Matthew Yglesias explains:
The Times reported that “in Russia, England, and France the Archduke Francis Ferdinand was regarded as one of the most serious dangers to the European peace” while “even in Germany his accession to the throne was viewed with apprehension.” Their view was that Franz Ferdinand was a proponent of an aggressively anti-Serbian foreign policy, and that his removal from the order of succession made a Balkan conflict less likely.
By contrast, the new heir apparent, “while popular in Vienna is described as a young man of no remarkable ability.”
In honor of this I’ve been singing “Take Me Out” and “This Fire” all day long.
Sorry, I’m ignorant. Am I supposed to understand the last part?
It says that Franz’s replacement was a young man of no remarkable ability. However, I have searched Wikipedia and other similar sites and I can’t find the name of Franz’s replacement.
Am I supposed to remember who replaced Franz and why his abilities were noteworthy? Sorry, I know this is a newbie question, but you’ve sparked my curiosity.
Franz was succeeded by Karl I.
I’m surprised that I was so ignorant of this leader! From Wikipedia: