 |
Leopold BerchtoldAustro-Hungarian politician, diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Date of Birth: 18.04.1863
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Leopold von Berchtold: Austro-Hungarian Statesman and Diplomat
- Diplomatic Service
- Minister of Foreign Affairs
- The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
- Preparations for War
- Later Life
Leopold von Berchtold: Austro-Hungarian Statesman and Diplomat
Early Life and CareerLeopold von Berchtold was born into a wealthy aristocratic family in 1863, with estates in Moravia and Hungary. From a young age, he was fluent in Czech, Slovak, and Hungarian. After joining the state service in Moravia in 1887, he transitioned to diplomatic service in 1893.
Diplomatic Service
Berchtold held diplomatic posts in France, Great Britain, and Russia, where he served as ambassador from 1906. He played a key role in shaping Austria-Hungary's foreign policy during the Balkan Wars.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In 1911, Berchtold became Minister of Foreign Affairs. He focused on the Balkans, coercing Serbia into renouncing access to the Adriatic Sea and Montenegro into abandoning Skutari. He also encouraged Bulgaria's war against its former allies, leading to the Second Balkan War.
The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
Following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914, Berchtold is said to have exclaimed, "Now we shall have a reckoning with Serbia!" He orchestrated the ultimatum to Serbia, which included deliberately unacceptable conditions.
Preparations for War
Berchtold's diplomatic efforts to prepare for war against Serbia failed to secure Italy's support. His fluctuating stance on territorial concessions to Italy ultimately led to his resignation in 1915.
Later Life
After his resignation, Berchtold served as chief court official and advisor to Archduke Karl (later Emperor Karl I). He spent his later years in exile in Switzerland and Hungary, where he died in 1942.
