1917: The Year of Desperate Gambles and Global Upheaval in World War One

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: This video chronicles the pivotal events of 1917, a year defined by Germany's high-stakes submarine warfare, the collapse of the Russian monarchy, and major military offensives across the Western, Italian, and Middle Eastern fronts.

1917 marked a turning point as Germany initiated unrestricted submarine warfare, aiming to starve Britain into submission within six months. This strategy backfired, triggering the United States' entry into the conflict. Simultaneously, Russia descended into revolution, resulting in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and a subsequent Bolshevik takeover that forced an armistice.

On the Western Front, the year saw intense combat, including the Battle of Arras, the Nivelle Offensive, and the first mass tank attack at Cambrai. Meanwhile, the Middle East witnessed British advances into Baghdad and Jerusalem, alongside the Arab revolt in the Hejaz. These gains were complicated by the Balfour Declaration, which created conflicting diplomatic commitments regarding the future of Palestine.

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