The Archduke of Austria was a title used by members of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled over the Austrian Empire and other territories in Europe. The title was first established in the late Middle Ages and became prominent in the 19th century. Archdukes were often heirs to the throne and played significant roles in the politics and governance of the empire. One of the most notable Archdukes was Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 triggered the outbreak of World War I. The title of Archduke was abolished after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, marking the end of the Habsburg monarchy's influence in Europe.