Austrian Archdukes were members of the ruling family of the Habsburg Monarchy, which played a significant role in European history. They held the title of Archduke, a rank above Duke, and were often involved in politics, military affairs, and diplomacy throughout Europe. The most notable Archduke was Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in 1914 triggered World War I. The title of Archduke was typically reserved for the sons and grandsons of the reigning Emperor. The Habsburgs ruled over a vast empire that included regions such as Austria, Hungary, and parts of Italy and Czech Republic, influencing the cultural and political landscape of Europe for centuries.