Who was Franz Ferdinand?

Franz Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria-Hungary whose assassination in 1914 became a pivotal event leading up to World War I. His death marked a significant moment in history, as it ignited complex political alliances and tensions between countries. The assassination was carried out by a Serbian nationalist, which heightened existing conflicts and contributed to the outbreak of the war. Understanding this context is crucial, as it illustrates not only the importance of Franz Ferdinand in historical events but also highlights the intricate nature of European politics at the time.