The Black Hand weren't necessarily terrorists. If they were terrorists, then so many other rebellions and revolutions before them were terrorists as well. They were a radical freedom fighting group that wanted to unite all Slavic states, and allegedly had the support of the Serbian government.
We look down on them for their role in starting World War II. But it was Austria-Hungary that put Franz Ferdinand in a position to be assassinated (sending him to Seraje** on a Slavic holiday, putting him in an open roof car, announcing the exact day well in advance, and Franz wasn't exactly on good terms with Austria's emperor) and it was Austria-Hungary that declared war on Serbia.
It is entirely possible that the Austria-Hungarians wanted Franz to be assassinated so they would have an excuse to go to war on Serbia, because at the time they were
really
gunning for Serbia.
Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.
27-Sep-2015 15:12:03