Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand, nephew of the Austro-Hungarian emperor and heir presumptive, fell to assassination by the Black Hand Serbian nationalists in 1914. This single act prompted Austria-Hungary's war on Serbia, triggering Russia's mobilization, Germany's declaration on Russia, and France's on Germany—igniting World War I. Speaker Walken recounts the chain during his Oval Office swearing-in as acting president to assert command, warn the staff against escalation in the Bartlet crisis, and underline disciplined leadership amid high stakes.