He should consult an archaeologist. They study ancient studies looking for remains of buildings, objects, people, etc. They learn a lot about our past and what our ancestors were like through archaeology.
Richard went gallently off to war, leaving his brother, an incompetent ruler, in his stead. John was so bad that the Magna Carter was signed on his watch. That was helpful because it took some of the monarch's power away. It didn't help everyone since it only gave rights to some of the nobility, but it was a start.
That was one effect of the crusades in England. Richard the Lionhearted likely would have had the same difficulties that John had to cope with. Richard was not a great politician (he put rebellions down with force), but he was a very gifted military technician. John faced the problem of having not much of an army to resist those wanting him to sign the Magna Carta. That should get you started.
Franz ferdinand was in a way a set up, it was meant to start the war, some people were trying to get "revenge" and do it in a way were the spot light wouldnt be on them
They had a colonial assembly-elected legislature.
