You chose to Save Both the Archduke and Sophie
As Princip attempts to assassinate them both, the gun jams and he is tackled to the ground, sparing the lives of the Austrian leader and his wife.
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The Attempted Assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie
In the summer of 1914, the attempted assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo sends shockwaves throughout Europe. Miraculously, both survive the attack. The survival of both figures eases the heightened tensions across Europe ever so slightly, and does not immediately plunge the continent into war. Archduke Ferdinand having escaped unharmed with his wife, aims to maintain peace and proactively remain level headed, as any physical retaliation would surely escalate out of hand.
With this mentality, diplomatic efforts and international negotiations manage to stave off the inevitable conflict for six more years.
During this extended period of uneasy peace, the underlying tensions and rivalries between nations continue to simmer beneath the surface. Economic competition, territorial disputes, and nationalist aspirations persist, keeping the specter of war ever-present in the minds of political leaders and the general populace.
Eventually however, a culmination of diplomatic missteps and provocative actions over the past 6 years leads to a cascade of events that begins war. Economic rivalries between burgeoning industrial powers, such as Germany and Britain, intensify as they vie for dominance in global trade and colonial territories. Meanwhile, long-standing territorial disputes in the Balkans and Eastern Europe escalate, fueled by nationalist fervor and ethnic tensions.
And so, in 1920, the Great War begins
Escaping unharmed and with Sophie by his side, the Archduke decides against retaliation as any sign of conflict would escalate quickly into mass war. His push for diplomacy helps delay any conflict as countries try to negotiate for peace. However, tensions continually rise till war eventually breaks out.
But the Great War begins in 1920, six years after it would have happened. This, coupled with the Archdukes survival and role in the war, changes the course of history. And thus, a new timeline has set and is ready to be explored.
Explore the New Timeline