What happened to Archduke Franz Ferdinanad when he visited Serbia?

Answer 1

Despite what you'll find on some websites, Franz Ferdinand did NOT visit Serbia. He visited Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Hercegovina, which in 1914 was a part of Austria-Hungary. (The Serbs wanted it, but that's another matter).

Answer 2

There were several reasons. He went to observe army maneuvers, officially. Perhaps more important to him, he wanted to show his wife a good time. His wife was from an obscure family of the minor nobility, and not good enough to marry the heir of the Empire, according to the old Emperor, Franz Joseph. Franz Joseph forced Franz Ferdinand to agree that their children would not inherit the throne before he grudgingly consented to the marriage. Sophie was snubbed at all Imperial functions, forced to trail along at the end of the line, instead of at her husband's side behind the Emperor.

Franz Ferdinand was the nephew of Franz Joseph. He became the heir to the throne when his cousin, the Emperor's son, killed himself in a suicide pact with his fiancee because the old Emperor would not allow them to marry. Franz Ferdinand's father, the Emperor's brother, declined the chance to become heir, dropping it in Franz Ferdinand's lap.

Franz and Sophie had three children, and were in love and happy. In the remote provincial capital of Sarajevo, Sophie would be treated with honor and respect, and could walk by his side. When they were shot, Franz said "Sophie! Don't die! Live for our children!" But the children became orphans that day.

Answer 3

Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary and Bosnia was the capital.