Whose assassination precipitated U.S. entry into World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 is commonly recognized as the catalyst that set off a chain reaction of events leading to World War I. This incident not only instigated a crisis in Europe but also contributed to the complex web of alliances and tensions that existed at the time. Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary issued an ultimatum to Serbia, which ultimately led to declarations of war among the major powers involved.

This event is significant in the context of U.S. history, as it marked the beginning of a series of conflicts that eventually drew the United States into the war in 1917. While the U.S. initially maintained a neutral stance, various factors, including unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram, eventually influenced its decision to join the conflict. The assassination itself, however, stands as the pivotal moment that sparked the escalation of tensions in Europe, leading to a war that would have global repercussions.