The Start of World War I: Franz Ferdinand and the Black Hand

At the onset of World War I, a significant event took place involving Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and the Black Hand terrorist organization. This event played a pivotal role in triggering the outbreak of the war.

Franz Ferdinand:

Franz Ferdinand was the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne. His assassination on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, by Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand, set off a chain of events that led to the declaration of war.

The Black Hand:

The Black Hand, also known as Unity or Death, was a secret organization based in Serbia. It aimed to achieve the independence of Serbian territories from Austro-Hungarian rule. The assassination of Franz Ferdinand was carried out by members of this organization, leading directly to the escalation of tensions in Europe.

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand by the Black Hand served as the catalyst for the outbreak of World War I. Following the assassination, Austro-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering a chain reaction of alliances and conflicts that culminated in a world war involving major global powers.

In conclusion, the pair most closely related to the start of World War I is Franz Ferdinand and the Black Hand due to their direct involvement in the event that sparked the conflict.