The capture of Baghdad on March 11, 1917, marked a pivotal moment in the Mesopotamian campaign during World War I. Commanded by General Frederick Stanley Maude, the Anglo-Indian forces advanced on Baghdad after several months of intense military operations designed to assert British dominance in the region. The campaign was motivated by both strategic and economic interests, aiming to secure oil resources and enhance Britain's geopolitical position in the Middle East. The city of Baghdad, rich in historical significance, was seen as a critical objective in the larger context of the war against the Central Powers.

The siege and subsequent capture involved complex military maneuvers, with British forces overcoming harsh terrain and staunch resistance from Ottoman troops. Innovative strategies and coordinated assaults allowed Maude's troops to eventually breach the city’s defenses. The fall not only represented a significant military triumph but also symbolized a turning point in the war, encouraging further British operations in the region. The successful assault resulted in the establishment of British control over Baghdad and later facilitated greater military campaigns into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

The aftermath of the capture had substantial implications for the region as it altered the balance of power and led to a shift in British policies towards the Middle East. The control of Baghdad allowed the Allies to disrupt Ottoman supply lines and maintain better logistical support for continued military efforts. Furthermore, this victory heightened the aspirations of nationalist movements within Iraq, influencing future struggles for independence from colonial rule.