Question

the event that marked the beginning of world war i was the: a. resolution of the franco - prussian war. b. alliance between germany and austria - hungary. c. formation of the allied powers. d. assassination of archduke franz ferdinand.

Explanation:

This 1914 assassination in Sarajevo directly triggered Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia, which escalated into World War I through pre-existing alliance systems. The other options are either pre-war precursors (A, B) or formed after the war began (C).

Answer:

D. assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.