Select a historical event that interests you. What would happen if one aspect of the event
were altered somehow? How would history be changed and where would we be today as a
result?
In 1-2 paragraphs, write about a historical event of your choosing. Provide a brief timeline of
the event. Include your alternate event and how history will be changed forever. Did the
event you altered provide a positive or negative future outcome?

One historical event that significantly shaped the modern world is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28, 1914. This event is widely regarded as the catalyst for World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918 and resulted in the deaths of millions, the collapse of empires, and significant geopolitical changes. The timeline of this event includes the assassination in Sarajevo, the subsequent declarations of war among European powers, and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations on Germany and set the stage for World War II.

Now, imagine if the assassination had failed. If Franz Ferdinand had survived, it is plausible that the tensions between Austria-Hungary and Serbia could have been diffused through diplomatic means rather than escalating into a full-scale war. This alteration could have led to a more stable Europe, potentially preventing the rise of extremist ideologies and the conditions that fostered World War II. The absence of these two devastating conflicts might have resulted in a more peaceful 20th century, with fewer casualties and a different trajectory for global politics, economics, and social movements. The outcome would likely be positive, fostering international cooperation and possibly leading to a more unified Europe much earlier than the European Union’s formation in the late 20th century.