Franz Ferdinand wounded.

Heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is shot during his visit to Sarajewo.

The relationship between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia was troublesome at least since the relatively pro-Austrian Obrenobić dynasty was replaced by Karadziordzevic dynasty in a bloody coup. The only reason why Serbia wasn't simply annexed earlier on was the fact that its independence was guaranteed by the Russian Empire for whom it was a basis of its influence in the Balkans.   Like many small countries (especially on the Balkan Peninsula) it had great ambitions. The unification of southern Slavs under its leadership. But Serbs had rivals - Croatians. A part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that was notoriously loyal to the Hapsburg throne. For now, both sides were pretty much equal.   It was going to change soon. Franz Ferdinand, Archduke and an heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw the future of the Empire as a united state built atop autonomous countries. He was liked especially by the inhabitants of the areas that felt left behind by the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867.   How long could little Serbia oppose - in terms of culture, but also influences - a third member of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, composed of Southern Slavs under Croatian leadership? Franz Ferdinands plans weren't simply dangerous to Serbia. They guaranteed its downfall. Because of that, he became a prime assassination target of all Serbian nationalists.   The time finally came during his visit to Sarajevo. He was shot by Gavrilo Princip, a member of a Serbian terrorist group under the name of Unification or Death (or, commonly, Black Hand). Franz was shot, and spent three weeks unconscious (due to blood loss) before recuperating. His wife died. This assassination attempt was, however, the final spark upon the tinderbox of Europe.   The Austro-Hungarian Empire issued an ultimatum to Serbia. When it accepted (with the exception of one point), it was deemed to not be enough. With Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, a chain of alliances soon - and quite surprisingly for all participants - led to the Great War.