Austria-Hungary’s 1914 Ultimatum to Serbia: Accusations and Demands

Core Accusation

Serbia held responsible for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie (June 28, 1914) in Sarajevo.

Key Demands (48-Hour Deadline)

1. Publicly denounce anti-Austrian propaganda; purge textbooks/press.
2. Dismiss officials/military involved in propaganda.
3. Allow Austro-Hungarian officials to investigate/suppress subversion in Serbia.
4. Arrest Major Vojislav Tankosić and others allegedly linked to the plot.
5. Accept Austro-Hungarian delegates to monitor anti-Austrian activity.
6. Prosecute all conspirators; allow Austro-Hungarian observers at trial.
7. Publish front-page statement disavowing propaganda, regretting assassination.
8. Salute Austro-Hungarian flag and report compliance.
9. Reply within 48 hours or face military action.

Outcome

Serbia’s partial acceptance was deemed insufficient; Austria-Hungary declared war July 28, 1914, triggering WWI.