Archduke Ferdinand (Franz Ferdinand)

Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to Austria-Hungary's throne, meaning he was next in line to lead the empire. His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist triggered a series of events that led to World War I. The region was tense, with ethnic tensions and alliances among European powers. Ferdinand's death exposed these tensions, prompting Austria-Hungary to take harsh actions against Serbia, which then escalated as countries around the continent joined the conflict. His assassination is often seen as the spark that ignited a devastating war involving many nations.