The capture of Tallinn by German forces in February 1918 played a crucial role in World War I, as it effectively culminated in the occupation of Estonia. Tallinn, being the capital city and a significant port on the Baltic Sea, was not only a strategic military objective but also a key logistical hub for the region. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Eastern Front saw fluid military engagements, with local populations caught between the collapsing Russian Empire and the advancing German forces. As the war progressed, Estonia declared independence, a move that coincided with the German advances. However, the German military aimed to establish control over the region swiftly. The attack was part of the German Army's larger campaign to secure the Baltic territories, which began in late 1917, during the winter months. The Germans capitalized on the disorder in Russia to establish a foothold in the region, culminating in the capture of Tallinn. Once the city was under German control, it facilitated the establishment of a German administration in Estonia and a shift in power dynamics in the Baltics. This move had significant implications for Estonian national identity, where it ignited conversations around independence and self-determination.