The Spark That Started World War I

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 was the spark that ignited the First

World War. He was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, visiting the city

of Sarajevo. During the visit, a nationalist group planned an attack. After a failed attempt

earlier that day, fate intervened. Gavrilo Princip encountered the Archduke's car by

chance and fired two shots. One killed Franz Ferdinand, the other his wife,

Sophie. What followed was a chain reaction of alliances and ultimatums.

Within weeks, Europe was at war, triggered by a single moment.