The Start of World War I: Franz Ferdinand and the Black Hand
At the onset of World War I, a significant event took place involving Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and the Black Hand terrorist organization. This event played a pivotal role in triggering the outbreak of the war.
Franz Ferdinand:
Franz Ferdinand was the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand, set off a chain of events that led to the declaration of war.
The Black Hand:
The Black Hand, also known as Unity or Death, was a secret organization based in Serbia. It aimed to achieve the independence of Serbian territories from Austro-Hungarian rule. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was carried out by members of this organization, leading directly to the escalation of tensions in Europe.
Significance:The assassination of Franz Ferdinand by the Black Hand served as the catalyst for the outbreak of World War I. Following the assassination, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction of alliances and conflicts that culminated in a world war involving major global powers.
In conclusion, the pair most closely related to the start of World War I is Franz Ferdinand and the Black Hand due to their direct involvement in the event that sparked the conflict.