What was the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand considered?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is widely regarded as a short-term cause of World War I due to its role in precipitating the conflict. When Ferdinand was assassinated in June 1914, it set off a chain reaction among the intricate system of alliances and treaties that existed in Europe at the time. This event ignited existing tensions and rivalries, particularly between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, leading to Austria-Hungary's declaration of war against Serbia. The subsequent mobilization of alliances turned a regional conflict into a full-scale war, as countries were bound by treaties to support one another.

While the assassination itself was not the sole reason for the war—there were long-standing issues such as militarism, imperialism, and nationalism—it acted as a catalyst that exposed and accelerated the underlying tensions. Therefore, considering its timing and immediate consequences, it is classified as a short-term cause of World War I.