June 28 in American History

June 28, 1914 — the spark that ignites World War I

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo set off a chain of alliances and declarations that plunged Europe into World War I within weeks. America stayed out for nearly three years — but the war that a single gunshot started would eventually pull the United States onto the world stage for good.

Common Questions

What happened on June 28 in American history?

In 1914: the spark that ignites World War I. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo set off a chain of alliances and declarations that plunged Europe into World War I within weeks.

Why is June 28 significant?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo set off a chain of alliances and declarations that plunged Europe into World War I within weeks. America stayed out for nearly three years — but the war that a single gunshot started would eventually pull the United States onto the world stage for good.

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