What Happened This Year 1917

Historical Events from This Year 1917

Politics & Government

Storming of the Winter Palace

October 25th, 1917 107 years ago

The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, orchestrated a coup against the Provisional Government in Petrograd. The Red Guards seized key government buildings, culminating in the storming of the Winter Palace, the seat of the government. This decisive action aimed to overthrow the existing administration and establish a Soviet regime, reflecting the desires of the working class and soldiers for peace and land reform following World War I.

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Military & Warfare

Brazil Allies with the Entente Powers

October 26th, 1917 107 years ago

Brazil declared war on the Central Powers in 1917, aligning itself with the Allies. This decision was motivated by various factors, including the threat posed by submarine warfare to Brazilian shipping and a desire to assert itself on the global stage. As a result, Brazil sent contributions of troops and naval forces to the European theater, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy and an active participation in World War I.

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Military & Warfare

Historic Cavalry Charge at Beersheba

October 31st, 1917 107 years ago

Australian Light Horse troops charged towards Beersheba, taking the town from the Ottoman Empire. The attack, notable for its speed and surprise, involved a final, daring cavalry charge led by the 4th Light Horse Brigade. This unexpected assault culminated in the capture of the strategic water wells of Beersheba, turning the tide in the campaign for control of Palestine during World War I.

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Politics & Government

Balfour Declaration Supports Jewish Homeland

November 2nd, 1917 107 years ago

The Balfour Declaration was a pivotal statement issued by the British government expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine, while simultaneously recognizing the rights of non-Jewish communities. This declaration was articulated in a letter from Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a prominent figure in the Jewish community, and marked a significant moment in the context of World War I and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

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Politics & Government

First Meeting of the Military Revolutionary Committee

November 2nd, 1917 107 years ago

The Military Revolutionary Committee of the Petrograd Soviet convened its inaugural meeting to strategize for the impending Russian Revolution. Composed mainly of Bolsheviks, the committee focused on mobilizing support and coordinating efforts against the Provisional Government. Key figures discussed plans to seize control effectively and ensure the success of the revolutionary movement within Petrograd.

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Religion & Philosophy

Tikhon Elected Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church

November 5th, 1917 107 years ago

On November 5, 1917, Tikhon was elected the Patriarch of Moscow and of the Russian Orthodox Church during a critical time in Russia's political landscape following the October Revolution. This election occurred in the midst of profound societal upheaval, with the church seeking to assert its role in a rapidly changing nation. Tikhon, known for his commitment to the church and its traditions, became a central figure in guiding the faith through the turbulence of a new order.

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Politics & Government

Lenin's Call to Arms for Revolution

November 5th, 1917 107 years ago

Vladimir Lenin called for the October Revolution on this day, urging the working class to rise against the Provisional Government. This call was delivered at the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets in Petrograd, where leaders of various factions gathered. Lenin outlined the necessity of transitioning from a capitalist to a socialist state, emphasizing the need for a workers' government. This speech galvanized the Bolsheviks and their supporters, setting the stage for the uprising that would lead to significant changes in Russian governance.

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Politics & Government

Bolsheviks Storm the Winter Palace

November 7th, 1917 107 years ago

In the early hours of November 7, Bolshevik forces led by Vladimir Lenin launched a successful coup against the Provisional Government of Russia, storming the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. This decisive action marked the beginning of Bolshevik control over Russia, resulting in the establishment of a communist government. Amidst a backdrop of war, social unrest, and political instability, the Bolsheviks capitalized on the public's discontent. The storming of the palace was fueled by widespread disillusionment with ongoing World War I and economic hardship faced by the populace.

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Military & Warfare

British Forces Capture Gaza from Ottomans

November 7th, 1917 107 years ago

The Third Battle of Gaza culminated with British forces successfully seizing the city of Gaza from the Ottoman Empire. This strategic victory followed prolonged military operations that began in March, with British forces aiming to break through the Ottoman defenses after previous failed attempts. The capture of Gaza played a crucial role in the wider campaign throughout the Sinai Peninsula and Palestine, ultimately contributing to the weakening of Ottoman control in the region.

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