Gavrilo Princip's Early Life and Education:
- Gavrilo Princip, born in 1894 in a remote village in Herzegovina to Bosnian Serb parents, faced financial struggles despite his initial ambition and intelligence.
- At the age of 13, he moved to Sarajevo for schooling, excelling initially but later experiencing declining academic performance due to financial instability. By the time he transferred to an elite high school, the Gymnasium, he continued to struggle academically.
Sarajevo's Cultural Landscape and Princip's Alienation:
- In the early 1900s, Sarajevo was a city blending old and new with Austrian buildings alongside Ottoman mosques. This cultural shock contributed to Princip's sense of alienation from mainstream culture.
- His experiences mirror those of disaffected individuals who become terrorists or revolutionaries due to feelings of dislocation from modernity and contempt for dominant cultures.
Nationalism and Decline:
- Gavrilo Princip faced a steady decline academically at the Gymnasium after initial success at the merchant school. Financial struggles impacted his education as indicated by changing addresses that signified instability and poverty.
- Nationalist sentiments brewing within him amidst frustrations with the occupier's language (German) mirrored similar sentiments seen in historical figures like Hitler.
Implications of Serbian Nationalism:
- The wellsprings of Serbian nationalism significantly influenced Gavrilo Princip's worldview while navigating life in Sarajevo under Austro-Hungarian rule.
The Political Landscape in Bosnia-Herzegovina Pre-World War I:
- In 1914, Bosnia-Herzegovina had a population of about 2 million people, with Muslims, Catholics (Bosnian Croats), and Orthodox (Bosnian Serbs) making up the demographic.
- Internal squabbles among different ethnic groups led to challenges within the region as they demanded patronage and funding from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Despite existing political tensions, Bosnia was not considered an especially violent place compared to other regions like Ireland pre-1914.
- Nationalist sentiments were present but mostly at a low level, manifesting through graffiti denouncing certain groups and minor anti-Austrian demonstrations.
Gavrilo Princip's Radicalization and Influences:
- Gavrilo Princip was influenced by Bogdan Dzerijic's failed assassination attempt on the Austro-Hungarian governor of Bosnia in June 1910.
- The act inspired pamphlets and poems praising Dzerijic as a hero, leading to admiration from young nationalists like Princip.
- Viewing Dzerijic as his role model, Princip spent nights at his grave vowing to follow in his footsteps.
- He dropped out of school after failing exams due to revolutionary politics distracting him.
Serbian Nationalism and Greater Serbia Ambitions:
- During the Balkan Wars, Serbia aimed for territorial expansion by aligning with Bulgaria, Greece, Montenegro against the Ottomans.
- Victory in these wars positioned Serbia as a regional power while fueling nationalist sentiments for further expansion into Albanian, Kosovo, North Macedonia territories.
- Serbian nationalism emphasized the concept that "where a Serb dwells is Serbia," reflecting ambitions for unification under Serbian leadership.
Princip's Desire for Action and Self-Proving Act:
- Gavrilo Princip sought to prove himself as a man following rejection from joining the Balkan Wars due to being perceived as weak.
- Feeling bitter and disaffected, he desired to take action that would demonstrate his strength and leave a lasting impact on history.