The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was a pivotal event fueled by rising nationalism and tension in Europe. The archduke's visit to Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, prompted a group of nationalist assassins from Serbia, known as the Black Hand, to act. This assassination ignited a series of diplomatic crises, leading to the outbreak of World War I. The event underscored the fragility of European alliances and entanglements, ultimately reshaping political landscapes and leading to unprecedented global conflict. Its significance lies in its role as a catalyst for war and its impact on history.