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

Major Events of March 1918: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Mar 1918 German U-Boat sinks HMS Calgarian: On March 1, 1918, the German U-boat U-19 sank the British armed merchant cruiser HMS Calgarian off Rathlin Island, Ireland, resulting in the deaths of two officers and 47 ratings. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Mar 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic begins: The Spanish Flu pandemic, one of the deadliest in history, began in 1918. It spread rapidly across the globe, infecting about one-third of the world's population and resulting in millions of deaths. The pandemic had significant social and economic impacts worldwide. source: cdc.gov
- 05 Mar 1918 Bolshevik capital relocation: On March 5, 1918, the Bolshevik government officially relocated the capital of Russia from Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) to Moscow. This move was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and secure the government from potential threats during the Russian Civil War. source: britannica.com
- 06 Mar 1918 USS Cyclops vanishes in mysterious circumstances: On March 6, 1918, the USS Cyclops, a Navy cargo ship, disappeared without a trace while sailing from Barbados to Baltimore. The ship's disappearance remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries, with no wreckage ever found. source: britannica.com
- 07 Mar 1918 Finland allies with Germany in World War I: On March 7, 1918, Finland formally allied with Germany during World War I. This alliance was part of Finland's strategy to gain independence from Russia and establish a strong military presence in the region. source: britannica.com
- 08 Mar 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic begins: The Spanish Flu pandemic, which began on March 8, 1918, rapidly spread across the globe, leading to widespread illness and death. It is estimated to have infected one-third of the world's population and caused millions of fatalities, significantly impacting public health policies. source: cdc.gov
- 09 Mar 1918 British forces capture Tell 'Asur in Jordan Valley: On March 9, 1918, during World War I, British forces captured Tell 'Asur, a strategic hill in the Jordan Valley, providing valuable observation points over the surrounding areas. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Mar 1918 American Red Magen David Established: On March 13, 1918, the American Red Magen David was established as the American affiliate of Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service. This organization provides emergency medical services and humanitarian aid, operating in Israel and internationally. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Mar 1918 Failed Peace Negotiations in Trebizond: The Trebizond Peace Conference began on March 14, 1918, between the Ottoman Empire and the Transcaucasian Seim. The negotiations aimed to resolve territorial disputes following the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk but ultimately failed, leading to continued hostilities in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Mar 1918 Battle of Tampere in Finnish Civil War: The Battle of Tampere, a significant conflict in the Finnish Civil War, began on March 15, 1918. The battle was fought between the Red Guards and the White Guards, with the Whites eventually capturing the city, leading to a decisive victory. source: britannica.com
- 16 Mar 1918 Battle of Tampere in Finnish Civil War: The Battle of Tampere continued on March 16, 1918, during the Finnish Civil War. The White Guards, supported by German forces, advanced their positions, tightening the siege on the Red Guards in the city. source: britannica.com
- 18 Mar 1918 Soccer Team Founded in Meerssen: SV Meerssen, a Dutch football club, was founded on March 18, 1918, in Meerssen, Netherlands. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Mar 1918 US Congress Establishes Time Zones and Daylight Saving Time: On March 19, 1918, the United States Congress enacted the Standard Time Act, establishing time zones and introducing daylight saving time. source: archives.gov
- 20 Mar 1918 Birth of Marian McPartland, Jazz Pianist and Broadcaster: Marian McPartland, renowned jazz pianist and broadcaster, was born on March 20, 1918. source: npr.org
- 21 Mar 1918 German Spring Offensive begins: On March 21, 1918, the German army launched Operation Michael, initiating the German Spring Offensive on the Western Front during World War I. This major assault aimed to break through Allied lines and advance toward the Channel ports, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. source: history.com
- 22 Mar 1918 Birth of Cheddi Jagan, Guyanese political leader: Cheddi Jagan was born on March 22, 1918, in Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice, British Guiana (now Guyana). He was a prominent politician and dentist, serving as President of Guyana from 1992 until his death in 1997. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Mar 1918 Battle of Es Salt in Palestine: On March 24, 1918, the Battle of Es Salt occurred in Palestine during World War I. The battle was part of the British campaign to capture the Jordan Valley from the Ottoman Empire. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Mar 1918 Allies appoint General Foch as Supreme Commander during World War I: On March 26, 1918, the Allied forces appointed General Ferdinand Foch as the Supreme Commander during World War I. This decision aimed to unify command and improve coordination among the Allied armies. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Mar 1918 Bessarabia unites with Romania: On March 27, 1918, Bessarabia declared its union with Romania, a significant political event during the tumultuous period of World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Mar 1918 Bloody Maundy Thursday of Tampere - Finnish Civil War: On March 28, 1918, during the Finnish Civil War, the Battle of Tampere, known as the 'Bloody Maundy Thursday,' resulted in significant casualties as Finnish White forces captured the city from the Reds. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Mar 1918 German forces capture Poltava during World War I: On March 29, 1918, German forces captured Poltava, a significant city in Ukraine, during World War I, advancing their position on the Eastern Front. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Mar 1918 March Days: Baku Revolt Suppression: On March 30, 1918, the Bolshevik and Dashnak forces initiated a suppression of the Azerbaijani revolt in Baku, leading to widespread violence and massacres. The conflict resulted in the deaths of thousands of Azerbaijani civilians and the destruction of cultural monuments. source: islamabad.mfa.gov.az
- 31 Mar 1918 Baku Massacre of Azerbaijani Muslims: On March 31, 1918, during the March Days in Baku, Armenian-Bolshevik forces initiated a massacre of Azerbaijani Muslims, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the destruction of cultural landmarks. source: islamabad.mfa.gov.az