Powder keg: World War 1

Roles:
Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Black Hand Terrorist #1 Black Hand Terrorist #2
Gavrilo Princip Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz Joseph Sophie
Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand Serbian Government Official

Narrator1: It is 1914. Europe is on edge. Tension in Europe is high. The continent of Europe is a
bomb waiting to explode. Feelings of nationalism are strong, with different groups of people
seeking to break free from the imperialistic ways of the stronger countries that control their
territory. A single event could set off a tremendous war, due to the alliance system.

Narrator 2: A small terrorist group of Serbs from Bosnia, an ethnic group under the control of
Austria-Hungary, has decided to take action.

Black Hand Terrorist #1: We can no longer sit by and let Austria-Hungary dominate us! We must
do something!

Black Hand Terrorist #2: The next emperor of Austria-Hungary, the Archduke, is coming to
Sarajevo (Sar-ee-a-vo) in June, perhaps we can make our point then!

Black Hand Terrorist #1: But what shall we do?

Black Hand Terrorist #2: We will assassinate him. We are all willing to do die for our nation, that
of a free and independent place for Bosnian Serbs like us! As he drives down our streets, we
will murder him in cold blood, like he has murdered so many of our brothers!

Black Hand Terrorist #1: We will need volunteers for this operation.

Gavrilo Princip: Let me be the first to volunteer then!

Narrator #1: Gavrilo Princip, a young 19 year old Bosnian Serb, volunteers to be part of the
assassination attempt against Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Several others join him and begin
planning the assassination.

Narrator #2: Using bombs, guns, and keeping poison pills for themselves to take so they wont
be caught and tortured, the Black Hand begins to prepare for Archduke Franz Ferdinands
arrival

Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz Joseph: Archduke, you must be careful in Sarajevo (Sar-ee-a-
vo). Those Serbs are dangerous, filled with the passion of nationalism! They plotted to kill me
last year when I visited.

Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand: I will be fine, my wife and I plan to visit these
people, let them know we care about them, they will see me as a kind leader.

Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Joseph: I hope, for your life, that you are correct, my nephew.
Narrator #1: It is June 28th, 1914. Franz Ferdinand has arrived in Sarajevo (Sar-ee-a-vo). He
has decided to tour the city in an open car, sitting high on the backseat with his wife, Sophie.

Narrator #2: Gavrilo Princip and his Black Hand group take position in the crowd, patiently
waiting for the right time to attack.

Black Hand Terrorist #1: Freedom for Serbs!!! (Throws bomb at car)

Narrator #1: A bomb is hurled towards Franz Ferdinands car, but the driver speeds up and it
bounces off. The Archduke is left unharmed and the car has minimum damage, but many in the
crowd are hurt.

Narrator #2: The Black Hand group has failed, Gavrilo flees the scene and enters a sandwich
shop to get lunch

Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Driver! Take me to the hospital, I want to see the
injured people. I want them to know I am a kind leader

Narrator #1: As the driver turns towards the hospital, he realizes he has gone down a dead end
and begins to turn around. The car stalls and gets stuck in the road

Narrator #2: Gavrilo looks outside the sandwich shop to see what all the noise is about and
cannot believe what he sees. Franz Ferdinand is right in front of him. His feelings swell inside of
him, so much anger, so much pride for his people, so much hate for Austria-Hungary. He
emerges from the deli and pulls out his pistol.

Gavrilo: For Serbs everywhere! (Fires pistol twice)

Austria-Hungary Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Ahhh!!!

Sophie: Franz!!! No!! Ahhh!!!

Narrator #1: Gavrilo has fired two shots. He has killed the Archduke and his wife, Sophie.

Narrator #2: Gavrilo is arrested by the crowd and taken to jail where he is tortured.

Gavrilo: You can torture me, light me on fire, I will be the light that guides my people to freedom!

Narrator #1: Austria-Hungary is furious and demands that the country of Serbia apologize, as
they believe that Serbia set up the assassination.

Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz Joseph: Serbia, you will apologize and pay us back for this
tragedy

Serbian Official: We had nothing to do with it!

Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz Joseph: Our military forces are large and unstoppable! If you
will not apologize.then you will be destroyed!
Serbian Official: Russia will help us, we are not afraid of you! Prepare for War!