Background
Leopold von Berchtold was born in Vienna on the 18th of April, 1863 into a wealthy noble family that owned lands in Moravia and Hungary, he was one of richest men in his area. Leopold was taught at home.
Leopold von Berchtold was born in Vienna on the 18th of April, 1863 into a wealthy noble family that owned lands in Moravia and Hungary, he was one of richest men in his area. Leopold was taught at home.
Leopold von Berchtold was tutored at home.
In December 1906, Count Berchtold was appointed Ambassador to Russia. And in February 1912, Count Berchtold was appointed minister. His appointment came against his own will and despite the lack of experience in domestic affairs as well as in military matters.
In foreign minister for Austria-Hungary post he directed the Dual Monarchy's course amid the turbulence of the Balkan wars and the Sarajevo crisis of 1914. It is now generally recognized that his abilities were not equal to his great responsibilities. However, in 1912-1913, he succeeded in keeping Serbia away from the Adriatic, and he helped secure the independence of Albania. On the other hand, efforts to revise the treaty of Bucharest of Aug. 10, 1913, in Bulgaria's favor were unsuccessful.
Leopold von Berchtold was the person who was probably the most responsible, if not for the Great War, then certainly, for the escalation of the June Balkan crisis into a major European crisis.His ultimatum to Serbia was followed by the outbreak of World War I. After the outbreak when Italy demanded the territory from Austria-Hungary in return for no more than benevolent neutrality, Berchtold was forced to resign. It happened on the 13th of January, 1915. But after that Leopold was not unemployed. He accepted the high office at court.Despite the fact that Berchtold played no further public role during the war in March 1916 he was appointed Lord High Steward to Archduke Karl and he became Lord Chamberlain in November of the same year.