A final demand or statement of terms that must be accepted to avoid serious consequences, typically war or the breaking of diplomatic relations. An ultimatum represents the last opportunity for negotiation before decisive action.
From Latin 'ultimatum,' meaning 'final' or 'last,' derived from 'ultimus' (furthest, last). The diplomatic usage developed in the 17th century as European nations formalized procedures for declaring war and making final demands.
Austria-Hungary's ultimatum to Serbia after Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination was deliberately designed to be rejected, providing the legal pretext for war that unleashed WWI. The practice continues today in international relations, though modern ultimatums often involve economic sanctions rather than military action, as seen in various UN Security Council resolutions.
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