How did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand influence European politics?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914, had a profound impact on European politics, primarily because it was the immediate catalyst for the outbreak of World War I. The event intensified existing tensions among the major European powers, which were divided into rival alliances—the Triple Entente (including France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and the Triple Alliance (comprising Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy).

Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, where the assassin was connected to nationalist movements. When Serbia's response was deemed unsatisfactory, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This act set off a chain reaction of mobilizations and declarations of war among the major powers due to the alliance system in place. Russia mobilized to support Serbia, prompting Germany to declare war on Russia, and subsequently on France. Britain entered the war after Germany violated Belgian neutrality. As a result, the assassination directly linked to escalating tensions, leading to a large-scale conflict that engulfed much of Europe and altered the geopolitical landscape for decades.

This pivotal moment did not establish the European Union, mark the end of monarchies in Europe, or initiate the Cold War—those events were shaped by different