interview: sue woolmans

Host Niall speaks with historian Sue Woolmans about her book, The Assassination of the Archduke.

Sue discusses the relationship of Archduke Franz Ferdinand with his wife, Sophie Chotek. This was a morganatic marriage that caused scandal and dynastic tensions in the Viennese court.

We also hear about the strained relationship of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, with his uncle, Emperor Franz Josef, and other powerful figures within the Austrian establishment.

Niall and Sue discuss various theories about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie in Sarajevo in 1914, the event that sparked the First World War.

recommended reading

Check out our bookstore for a link to Sue’s book.