Major Events of February 1918: 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 February 1918 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of February 1918: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Feb 1918 Birth of Muriel Spark, renowned Scottish novelist: Muriel Spark, a celebrated Scottish novelist known for her works such as 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie', was born on February 1, 1918. Her literary contributions have had a lasting impact on modern literature. source: britannica.com
- 02 Feb 1918 Brighton tornado disaster: On February 2, 1918, a severe thunderstorm in Melbourne, Australia, produced two tornadoes that struck Brighton Beach at approximately 5:45 pm, causing significant damage. A third tornado joined shortly after, leading to widespread destruction. The tornadoes resulted in two fatalities and extensive property damage, including the destruction of the Hawthorn Road Methodist Church. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Feb 1918 Austro-Hungarian Navy mutiny suppressed in Cattaro: On February 1, 1918, sailors of the Austro-Hungarian Navy initiated a mutiny in the Adriatic Bay of Cattaro (now Kotor, Montenegro). The uprising was suppressed by loyal troops on February 3, resulting in the imprisonment of approximately 800 sailors and the execution of four leaders. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Feb 1918 General Alexeyev's failed Moscow campaign during the Russian Civil War: On February 4, 1918, General Alexeyev's forces launched a campaign against Bolshevik-controlled Moscow during the Russian Civil War. The campaign was unsuccessful, leading to a significant setback for the anti-Bolshevik forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Feb 1918 First US aerial victory in World War I: On February 5, 1918, during World War I, the United States achieved its first aerial victory when a U.S. pilot shot down a German aircraft over France. This marked a significant milestone in the U.S. involvement in aerial combat during the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Feb 1918 British Women's Voting Rights Milestone: On February 6, 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed in the United Kingdom, granting women over 30 who met certain property qualifications the right to vote. This act enfranchised approximately 8.5 million women, marking a significant milestone in women's suffrage. However, it was not until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women gained equal voting rights with men. source: parliament.uk
- 08 Feb 1918 German submarine SM UB-38 sinks in North Sea: On February 8, 1918, the German U-boat SM UB-38 was sunk in the North Sea. The submarine was part of the Imperial German Navy during World War I and was lost during operations in the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Feb 1918 Army Chaplain School established at Fort Monroe: On February 9, 1918, the U.S. Army established the Army Chaplain School at Fort Monroe, Virginia, to train military chaplains for service during World War I. The school provided theological and military education to prepare chaplains for their roles in the armed forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Feb 1918 Death of Abdülhamid II, Ottoman Sultan: Abdülhamid II, the 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, died on February 10, 1918, at the age of 75 in Constantinople. He had been deposed in 1909 and spent his final years in exile in Thessaloniki before returning to Istanbul in 1912. source: britannica.com
- 11 Feb 1918 French submarine Diane lost in Bay of Biscay: On February 11, 1918, the French submarine Diane was lost in the Bay of Biscay. The submarine was part of the French Navy during World War I and was lost during operations in the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Feb 1918 Birth of Julian Schwinger, Renowned Physicist: Julian Seymour Schwinger, an American theoretical physicist known for his work in quantum electrodynamics, was born on February 12, 1918, in New York City. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Feb 1918 Russia adopts Gregorian calendar: On February 14, 1918, Russia officially adopted the Gregorian calendar, transitioning from the Julian calendar. This change was part of a broader effort to modernize the country following the Russian Revolution. source: britannica.com
- 15 Feb 1918 US Army troop ship sunk during World War I: On February 15, 1918, a US Army troop ship was sunk during World War I, resulting in significant loss of life. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by military transport during the war. source: britannica.com
- 16 Feb 1918 Lithuania declares independence: On February 16, 1918, Lithuania declared its independence from Germany, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history. This declaration was part of a broader wave of independence movements in Eastern Europe. source: britannica.com
- 17 Feb 1918 British military mission to North Persia during World War I: On February 17, 1918, a British military mission was dispatched to North Persia as part of the Allied efforts during World War I. This mission aimed to secure strategic interests in the region. source: britannica.com
- 18 Feb 1918 German resumption of hostilities on Eastern Front: On February 18, 1918, Germany resumed hostilities on the Eastern Front, marking a significant escalation in World War I. This action was part of Germany's strategy following the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. source: britannica.com
- 19 Feb 1918 Russia seeks peace with Germany during World War I: On February 19, 1918, Russia initiated peace negotiations with Germany, aiming to end its involvement in World War I. This move was part of a broader effort to extricate Russia from the conflict and address internal challenges. source: britannica.com
- 20 Feb 1918 Ukraine signs peace treaty with Central Powers at Brest-Litovsk: On February 20, 1918, the Ukrainian People's Republic signed a peace treaty with the Central Powers at Brest-Litovsk, formally recognizing Ukraine's independence and ending its involvement in World War I. source: history.com
- 21 Feb 1918 British Forces Capture Jericho in Palestine: On February 21, 1918, British forces captured Jericho in Palestine during World War I, advancing their position in the Middle East and contributing to the eventual defeat of the Ottoman Empire. source: history.com
- 23 Feb 1918 Donetsk–Krivoy Rog Soviet Republic established: On February 12, 1918, the Donetsk–Krivoy Rog Soviet Republic was proclaimed as a self-declared Soviet republic of the Ukrainian People's Republic. It was founded three days after the government of the Ukrainian People's Republic signed its Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers, which recognized the borders of the UPR. The republic was disbanded on March 20, 1918, when the independence of Soviet Ukraine was announced. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Feb 1918 Estonia's Declaration of Independence: On February 24, 1918, the Estonian Salvation Committee publicly proclaimed Estonia an independent and democratic republic. The declaration was first read publicly on February 23, 1918, from the balcony of the Endla Theatre in Pärnu. This date is now celebrated annually as Estonia's Independence Day. source: visitestonia.com
- 25 Feb 1918 German occupation of Tallinn in World War I: In late February 1918, German forces advanced into Estonia during World War I, occupying Tallinn and other parts of the country. This occupation lasted until November 1918, after which Estonia regained its independence. source: britannica.com