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Franz Joseph ruled for 68 years. One of his last acts was avenging the death of Franz Ferdinand who was assassinated by Serbian terrorists. This triggered a European wide war. Even though Germany failed to eliminate France in 1914, Austria-Hungary defeated Serbia and Russia lost armies against both Germany and Austria-Hungary. Even with Italy’s betrayal the following year, Austria persevered and pushed Russia back while holding the Italians down. By early 1917, the war was over with Austria and Germany imposing terms and backing virtually all of each other’s claims.

Let’s say Joseph does not manage to modernize the army starting in 1909, consequently they lose or draw their opening battles with Russia and fail to take significant ground against Serbia. Things spiral from there, maybe someone like Romania joins the Entente because of Transylvania, Austria loses or maybe the war ends in a stalemate. Had that been the case and Joesph did not set them up with the victory to knock out their rivals, how would Joseph be remembered in a stalemate or defeat scenario? When surrounded by Hyenas, what if Joseph did not turn the KuK into Lions?

How would he be viewed by historians and the public at large today?
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