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Major Events of March 1917: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from March 1917 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of March 1917: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Mar 1917 Zimmermann Telegram Revealed to Public: The U.S. government publicly released the unencrypted text of the Zimmermann Telegram, a diplomatic communication that proposed a German-Mexican alliance against the United States during World War I, which significantly influenced American public opinion and eventual entry into the war.
  • 02 Mar 1917 Russian February Revolution Begins: The Russian February Revolution commences with the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II, a pivotal event that would ultimately lead to the Russian Revolution and the end of the Russian Empire.
  • 03 Mar 1917 Russian Tsar Nicholas II Abdicates: Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, formally abdicates the throne, marking a pivotal moment in Russian history and the end of the Romanov dynasty's 300-year rule. This event was a critical turning point in the Russian Revolution, signaling the collapse of the imperial system and paving the way for the subsequent Bolshevik takeover.
  • 04 Mar 1917 Russian Imperial Throne Abdication: Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia publicly renounced the throne, and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia issued his official abdication manifesto, marking a critical moment in the Russian Revolution and the end of the Romanov dynasty's 300-year rule.
  • 05 Mar 1917 Woodrow Wilson's Second Presidential Inauguration: Woodrow Wilson was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States, marking a continuation of his leadership during a critical period in American history, which would soon include the United States' entry into World War I.
  • 06 Mar 1917 Caldergrove Sinking by German U-Boat: During World War I, the British cargo ship Caldergrove was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean by German submarine SM U-44, resulting in the tragic loss of 19 crew members.
  • 07 Mar 1917 British Self-Government Proposal for Ireland: British Prime Minister David Lloyd George announced that the United Kingdom was prepared to offer self-government to parts of Ireland willing to accept it, with a crucial caveat that the northeastern region (now Northern Ireland) would not be forcibly included against its will.
  • 08 Mar 1917 February Revolution Begins in Russia: The February Revolution breaks out in Russia, marking a pivotal moment in Russian history. Widespread social unrest, driven by economic hardship, war fatigue, and political dissatisfaction with the Tsarist regime, erupts in Petrograd (St. Petersburg). Protests and strikes, particularly those associated with International Women's Day, become the catalyst for revolutionary change.
  • 09 Mar 1917 February Revolution in Petrograd: The February Revolution marked a pivotal moment in Russian history, with massive protests in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) against the autocratic Tsarist regime. An estimated 200,000 to 500,000 people took to the streets, effectively paralyzing the city's industrial activities and signaling the beginning of the end for the Russian monarchy.
  • 10 Mar 1917 Russian Revolution: Order to Suppress Riots: During the February Revolution of 1917, Tsar Nicholas II sent a direct communication to Sergey Semyonovich Khabalov, the commander of military forces in Petrograd, instructing him to use extreme measures including rifle fire to suppress ongoing civil unrest. This order highlighted the escalating tensions and the Tsar's desperate attempt to maintain control during the revolutionary period that would ultimately lead to his abdication.
  • 11 Mar 1917 Fall of Baghdad during World War I: During the Mesopotamian campaign of World War I, Baghdad was captured by Anglo-Indian forces led by General Frederick Stanley Maude, marking a significant strategic victory for the British Empire in the Middle Eastern theater.
  • 12 Mar 1917 Russian Political Transformation Begins: The Russian Duma establishes a Provisional Committee, while workers simultaneously organize Soviets (workers' councils), signaling a critical shift in political power and the beginning of the end of the Tsarist regime.
  • 13 Mar 1917 Russian Revolution Begins: Political Upheaval in Russia: The Russian Revolution commenced on March 12, 1917, with critical political transformations occurring on March 13. Key developments included the revolutionary party's decisive removal of Prince Golitsin, the Russian Premier, and General Byelyaev, the Russian Minister for War, from their official positions. This marked a pivotal moment in Russian political history, signaling the imminent collapse of the Tsarist regime and the emergence of a new political order.
  • 14 Mar 1917 Russian February Revolution Begins: The Russian Revolution commences with the establishment of a new provisional government, marking the end of the Tsarist regime and initiating a transformative period in Russian political history. Tsar Nicholas II is forced to abdicate, and a provisional government led by Prince Georgy Lvov takes control, promising democratic reforms and continued participation in World War I.
  • 15 Mar 1917 End of the Romanov Dynasty: On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne, bringing a dramatic conclusion to the 304-year Romanov dynasty. This pivotal moment marked the end of imperial rule in Russia and set the stage for the subsequent Russian Revolution. Nicholas II, facing immense political pressure from revolutionary forces and military dissent, relinquished power not only for himself but also for his young son, effectively terminating centuries of autocratic monarchical governance.
  • 16 Mar 1917 Naval Engagement: British Forces Sink German Auxiliary Cruiser SMS Leopard: On 16 March 1917, during World War I, a significant naval battle occurred in the Norwegian Sea between British and German naval forces. The British armed boarding steamer SS Dundee and HMS Achilles, a Warrior-class armoured cruiser, engaged the German auxiliary cruiser SMS Leopard. The intense naval confrontation resulted in the complete destruction of the SMS Leopard, with the tragic loss of all 319 German crew members and six men from the British boarding party. This engagement was part of the broader naval warfare strategy during World War I, highlighting the dangerous maritime operations of the time.
  • 17 Mar 1917 Russian Tsar Nicolas II Abdicates: Tsar Nicolas II of Russia officially abdicates the Russian throne, marking a pivotal moment in Russian history and signaling the end of the Romanov dynasty's 300-year rule. This event precipitates the Russian Revolution and sets the stage for the eventual rise of the Soviet Union.
  • 18 Mar 1917 Battle of Monastir during World War I: During World War I, French troops achieved a significant tactical victory by capturing Hill 1248 and taking 1,200 Bulgarian prisoners in the Battle of Monastir. This engagement was part of the broader Balkan Campaign, demonstrating the complex military operations of the conflict.
  • 19 Mar 1917 US Supreme Court Upholds 8-Hour Workday for Railroad Workers: In a landmark labor rights decision, the United States Supreme Court upheld the Adamson Act, which established an 8-hour workday for railroad employees. This ruling was a significant milestone in labor legislation, providing workers with improved working conditions and setting a precedent for future labor protections.
  • 20 Mar 1917 US Declares War on Germany in World War I: On March 20, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson's war cabinet unanimously voted in favor of declaring war on Germany, a pivotal moment that would bring the United States into World War I. This decision marked a significant turning point in the global conflict and would ultimately reshape international geopolitics.
  • 21 Mar 1917 Imperial War Cabinet Formation: The United Kingdom established the Imperial War Cabinet on March 21, 1917, a strategic governance body designed to coordinate and centralize military actions across the entire British Empire during World War I, representing a significant milestone in imperial wartime coordination.
  • 22 Mar 1917 Virginia Grey Born in Los Angeles: Virginia Grey, a notable Hollywood actress of the Golden Age of Cinema, was born in Los Angeles, California. She would later appear in classic films such as 'Another Thin Man', 'Idiot's Delight', and 'Idaho', becoming a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • 23 Mar 1917 Devastating Midwest Tornado Outbreak of 1917: A catastrophic four-day tornado series swept through the Midwestern United States, resulting in 211 fatalities. This series of violent storms represented one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in early 20th-century American history, causing widespread destruction across multiple states and highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 24 Mar 1917 British Offensive in Palestine during World War I: On March 24, 1917, British forces launched a strategic military offensive in Palestine during World War I. This campaign was part of the broader Middle Eastern theater of the war, aimed at challenging Ottoman control of the region and expanding British imperial influence in the strategically important territory.
  • 25 Mar 1917 Russian Baltic Fleet Mutiny Begins: On March 25, 1917, a pivotal mutiny erupted in the Russian Baltic Fleet, signaling growing discontent and revolutionary sentiment among naval personnel during the Russian Revolution. This uprising was part of the broader social and political upheaval that would ultimately lead to the collapse of the Russian Imperial regime.
  • 26 Mar 1917 First Battle of Gaza in World War I: During World War I, British troops encountered significant resistance in their Middle Eastern campaign when approximately 17,000 Turkish soldiers successfully blocked their advance during the First Battle of Gaza. This strategic engagement highlighted the challenging terrain and determined defense of the Ottoman forces in the region.
  • 27 Mar 1917 Seattle Metropolitans Win Stanley Cup: The Seattle Metropolitans became the first American hockey team to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in a historic championship match. This victory marked a significant milestone in North American hockey, demonstrating the growing competitive prowess of U.S. hockey teams in the early 20th century.
  • 28 Mar 1917 British Women's Army Auxiliary Corps Established: The British Women's Army Auxiliary Corps is officially formed, representing a pivotal moment in women's participation in military support roles during World War I.
  • 29 Mar 1917 Zimmermann Telegram Confirmed in Reichstag: In a significant diplomatic moment, Arthur Zimmermann publicly confirmed the authenticity of the controversial Zimmermann Telegram in a speech to the Reichstag. This telegram, which proposed a German-Mexican alliance against the United States during World War I, was a pivotal moment that ultimately contributed to the United States entering the war.
  • 30 Mar 1917 DUPE: Poland's Independence Recognition: The Russian provisional government officially recognized the independence of Poland on March 30, 1917, marking a significant moment in Polish national history during the tumultuous period of World War I.
  • 31 Mar 1917 United States Acquires Danish West Indies: On March 31, 1917, the United States officially acquired the Danish West Indies through a formal treaty, marking a significant territorial expansion in the Caribbean. The U.S. paid Denmark $25 million for the islands, which were subsequently renamed the United States Virgin Islands. This strategic acquisition expanded American territorial influence and provided the U.S. with valuable maritime assets in the Caribbean region.