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.

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


  • 01 Mar 1917 Robert Lowell born: Robert Lowell, an influential American poet, was born on March 1, 1917. He is known for his confessional style of poetry and has received numerous awards for his literary contributions. source: britannica.com
  • 02 Mar 1917 Wilson's second term begins: President Woodrow Wilson began his second term in office on March 2, 1917, after winning re-election in 1916. His second term was marked by significant events, including the United States' entry into World War I. source: whitehouse.gov
  • 03 Mar 1917 Russian Tsar Nicholas II abdicates: On March 3, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne in favor of his brother, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, amid the February Revolution. This marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. source: history.com
  • 04 Mar 1917 Russian Imperial Throne Abdication: On March 4, 1917, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich formally abdicated the Russian imperial throne, transferring power to the Russian Provisional Government. This act ended over three centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. source: history.com
  • 05 Mar 1917 Woodrow Wilson's second presidential inauguration: On March 5, 1917, Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated for his second term as the 28th President of the United States. His second term was marked by the United States' entry into World War I. source: archives.gov
  • 06 Mar 1917 Caldergrove sinking by German U-boat: On March 6, 1917, the British merchant ship Caldergrove was sunk by a German U-boat in the Atlantic Ocean. The attack resulted in the loss of the ship and its cargo. source: wrecksite.eu
  • 07 Mar 1917 Putilov Plant Workers' Strike in Petrograd: On March 7, 1917, workers at the Putilov Plant in Petrograd initiated a strike, leading to a lockout by management and contributing to the February Revolution in Russia. source: wsws.org
  • 08 Mar 1917 US intervention in Cuba: On March 8, 1917, the United States intervened in Cuba, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Cuban relations. This intervention was part of a broader strategy to maintain stability in the Caribbean during World War I. source: state.gov
  • 10 Mar 1917 Russian Revolution: Order to Suppress Riots: On March 10, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II ordered the suppression of riots in Petrograd, instructing troops to disperse crowds with force. The following day, troops opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least 40 deaths. This marked a significant escalation in the February Revolution, leading to the eventual abdication of the Tsar. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Mar 1917 Fall of Baghdad during World War I: On March 11, 1917, British forces captured Baghdad from the Ottoman Empire during World War I. This victory was a significant step in the British campaign to secure the Middle East and protect the Suez Canal from Ottoman threats. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Mar 1917 Russian Political Transformation Begins: On March 12, 1917, the Russian Provisional Government was established, marking the beginning of a significant political transformation in Russia. This government aimed to replace the Tsarist autocracy with a more democratic system, though it faced numerous challenges. source: britannica.com
  • 13 Mar 1917 Russian Revolution Begins: Political Upheaval in Russia: On March 13, 1917, the Russian Revolution gained momentum as widespread protests and strikes continued across the country. The Provisional Government struggled to maintain control, leading to significant political upheaval. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Mar 1917 Russian February Revolution Begins: On March 14, 1917, the February Revolution in Russia began, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the Romanov dynasty. This revolution was a precursor to the October Revolution later that year. source: britannica.com
  • 15 Mar 1917 End of the Romanov Dynasty: On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne, ending the 300-year rule of the Romanov dynasty. This event marked a significant turning point in Russian history. source: history.com
  • 16 Mar 1917 Naval engagement: British forces sink German auxiliary cruiser SMS Leopard: On March 16, 1917, during World War I, British naval forces successfully sank the German auxiliary cruiser SMS Leopard, contributing to the ongoing naval confrontations between the two nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Mar 1917 Russian Tsar Nicholas II abdicates: On March 17, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the Russian throne, ending the Romanov dynasty's 300-year rule and leading to the establishment of the Russian Provisional Government. source: history.com
  • 20 Mar 1917 US declares war on Germany in World War I: On March 20, 1917, the United States formally declared war on Germany, marking its entry into World War I. This decision was influenced by several factors, including unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram. The declaration significantly altered the course of the war. source: archives.gov
  • 21 Mar 1917 Asturias hospital ship torpedoed: On March 21, 1917, the Asturias, a British hospital ship, was torpedoed by a German submarine while serving in the Mediterranean. The attack raised significant concerns regarding the safety of medical ships and the rules of engagement during wartime. source: bbc.com
  • 22 Mar 1917 Virginia Grey born in Los Angeles: Virginia Grey, an American actress known for her work in film and television, was born on March 22, 1917, in Los Angeles, California. She appeared in numerous films during the Golden Age of Hollywood and became a familiar face on television in later years. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Mar 1917 Devastating Midwest tornado outbreak of 1917: On March 23, 1917, a significant tornado outbreak struck the Midwest, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. This event is remembered as one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, impacting several states. source: weather.gov
  • 24 Mar 1917 British Offensive in Palestine during World War I: On March 24, 1917, British forces initiated an offensive against Ottoman positions in Gaza, aiming to advance into Palestine. This operation was part of the broader Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I. The offensive faced strong Ottoman defenses, leading to a protracted engagement. source: historyofwar.org
  • 26 Mar 1917 First Battle of Gaza in World War I: The First Battle of Gaza took place on March 26–27, 1917, when British forces attempted to capture the Ottoman stronghold of Gaza. The assault faced strong Ottoman defenses, leading to a costly British defeat. source: historyofwar.org
  • 27 Mar 1917 Puccini's "La Rondine" opera premiere: Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Rondine" premiered on March 27, 1917, at the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo. The cast included soprano Gilda Dalla Rizza as Magda de Civry and tenor Tito Schipa as Ruggero Lastouc. The opera was conducted by Gino Marinuzzi. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Mar 1917 Zimmermann Telegram confirmed in Reichstag: On March 29, 1917, the German government confirmed the authenticity of the Zimmermann Telegram, which proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the United States. This revelation intensified anti-German sentiment in the U.S. and contributed to America's entry into World War I. source: archives.gov
  • 30 Mar 1917 British hospital ship 'Gloucester Castle' torpedoed: On March 30, 1917, the British hospital ship 'Gloucester Castle' was torpedoed by a German U-boat while on a mission to evacuate wounded soldiers. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by medical ships during World War I. source: bbc.com
  • 31 Mar 1917 United States acquires Danish West Indies: On March 31, 1917, the United States formally acquired the Danish West Indies, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands, for $25 million. This acquisition was part of a strategic move during World War I. source: loc.gov