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Austria-Hungary’s involvement in World War I began with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Though the event initially caused little public outcry in Vienna, it intensified ethnic hostilities and prompted Austria-Hungary to issue a strict ultimatum to Serbia. The empire’s leaders, especially under Foreign Minister Count Berchtold and General Conrad von Hötzendorf, viewed Serbia’s growing influence among Slavs as a threat to the multiethnic stability of the empire. Backed by Germany, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, setting off a chain of alliances and igniting World War I.
Ethno-linguistic map of Austria-Hungary, 1910. © ArdadN
On the battlefield, Austria-Hungary struggled. Early campaigns in Serbia were disastrous, with severe losses. Although the empire finally occupied Serbia with German and Bulgarian help in 1915, heavy losses and constant need for German assistance highlighted its military weaknesses. The Eastern Front against Russia also took a harsh toll, as Austrian forces faced brutal defeats at Lemberg and Przemyśl in 1914. Austria only regained ground when Germany took command in the 1915 Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive. The Brusilov Offensive of 1916 further weakened Austrian forces, pushing the empire to the brink of collapse on the Eastern Front.
Italy entered the war in 1915, joining the Allies and opening a grueling front along the Isonzo River. Despite some Austrian victories with German help, the Italian Front drained resources. Meanwhile, the empire’s harsh policies in occupied territories like Romania deepened economic woes, as seized resources left civilians and soldiers at home undersupplied.
By 1916, with Emperor Franz Joseph’s death, his successor, Emperor Karl, sought peace. His attempts to negotiate with the Allies, however, were blocked by Italy, which demanded Austrian territory as a condition of peace. On the home front, nationalist aspirations and worsening economic conditions stirred unrest. Ethnic divisions weakened military and civil unity, with increasing strikes, food shortages, and inflation severely impacting morale.
In 1918, facing imminent defeat, nationalist groups in the empire took advantage of military failures. Czechoslovakia declared independence in late October, followed by South Slavic regions forming the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. Hungary ended its union with Austria on October 17, effectively dissolving the Dual Monarchy. By November 3, 1918, Austria-Hungary signed the Armistice of Villa Giusti with Italy, formally ending its role in the war. Emperor Karl abdicated shortly after, and Austria and Hungary became separate republics, officially dissolving Austria-Hungary.