The Oil Fantasies Behind WWI: The Untold Story of Archduke Ferdinand's Assassination

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The Controversial Myth of the Lone Gunman Assassination

A video by Robert Newman in his documentary, The History of Oil, challenges the conventional narrative that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was an isolated event caused by a madman. Newman argues that this narrative is a convenient fiction used to obscure the core geopolitical and economic motives driving the outbreak of World War I.

The Technological Context: A Dilemma in Fueling Warfare

Mr. Newman highlights the technological challenges of the early 20th century, specifically the Gasoline Age. In this era, coal was ideal for running railroads and ordinary ships, but it wasn't suitable for cars, trucks, tanks, or airplanes. Similarly, naval ships required constant refueling, making them less mobile. Oil, on the other hand, enabled ships to operate independently, a critical advantage in naval warfare.

Oil and Empire: Britain and Germany's Strategic Differences

At the dawn of the 20th century, both Britain and Germany recognized the strategic importance of oil. However, they had different approaches. Britain had secured oil reserves in Iran and planned to control them through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Germany, on the other hand, had discovered oil reservoirs in Iraq and envisioned building a Berlin-Baghdad railway to exploit these resources.

The Oil Crisis and the Implications for Imperial Ambitions

The German and British imperial ambitions clashed primarily over Iraq. The British were concerned that their adversaries could leverage oil resources to bolster their military capabilities and extend their influence, potentially threatening British interests. This geopolitical tension was one of the underlying causes of the Great War.

Organized Assassinations and the Role of Freemasonry

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was not an isolated incident. Before World War I, there were nearly two dozen high-profile assassinations globally, including presidents, kings, and prime ministers. Many of these leaders opposed British imperialism, the British freemasonry, and its allies. Some speculate that these killings were orchestrated by covert forces aligned with the British Crown and international freemasons, as they sought to eliminate their political adversaries.

Conclusion: The Shadow of Imperialism and Axis

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a catalyst for the larger geopolitical struggles that would soon consume the world. The event triggered a series of alliances and counter-alliances, leading to two world wars. Understanding the true motives behind this pivotal event can provide a deeper insight into the complexities of the early 20th century and the enduring impact of imperialism and resource control on global conflicts.

Further Reading and Details

To explore this topic further, you may want to read:

F. William Engdahl's analysis of the British oil strategy during the early 1900s. Archival materials on the conspiracy theories and the role of key figures in the assassinations. Historical documents and memoirs from the time period for a more nuanced perspective.

By delving into these resources, you can gain a richer understanding of the multifaceted forces that shaped the course of history and the lasting impact of oil on geopolitical tensions.