Reakcije na Sarajevski atentat u italijanskim diplomatskim dokumentima

The article provides an overview of the Sarajevo atentat and the following Austro-Serbian crisis, as they are described in Italian diplomatic documents. Both for his character and his reactionary beliefs, Franz Ferdinand was widely unpopular; that’s why his death doesn’t provoke much regret in Europe, nor in Austria itself. The Italian Government doesn’t expect that assassination would lead to war. However, Italian diplomats soon notice that the Austro-Hungarian empire is eager to use the archduke’s assassination as a pretext in order to wage war against Serbia. Such a move is considered by Italian diplomats as the only way the Habsburg Empire can halt the national movement of the Yugoslavs living in the dual monarchy and thus reassert its role as a great power. Italy is also aware that Russia will intervene to help Serbia and that the Austro-Serbian war will inevitably lead to a European conflict.