Nationalistic Tensions: Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, which ruled over a diverse empire comprising many ethnic groups. There were rising nationalist sentiments among some groups, particularly in areas like Bosnia and Herzegovina (which had been annexed by Austria-Hungary in 1908), who sought independence or unification with neighboring Serbia.
Serbian Nationalism: Many Serbs resented Austria-Hungary's control over Bosnia and Herzegovina, viewing it as a violation of Slavic unity. The Pan-Serb movement aimed to unite all Serbs into a single state, and some radical organizations believed that assassinating Franz Ferdinand would spark a conflict leading to Serbia's expansion.
Political Instability: The Balkans, including Serbia, was a region marked by political instability and frequent conflicts. There were strong anti-Austrian sentiments among Serbian politicians and military leaders, who saw Franz Ferdinand as a symbol of oppression.
Gavrilo Princip: The individual who carried out the assassination was Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist who was part of a group known as the Black Hand. Princip and other members of the group believed that killing Franz Ferdinand would ignite a revolution and lead to the liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ultimatum and Diplomatic Crisis: In the aftermath of the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, accusing the country of being involved in the plot. Serbia's response was considered unsatisfactory by Austria-Hungary, escalating the diplomatic crisis and ultimately leading to the outbreak of World War I.