19171918

1917–1918 refers to the period spanning the years 1917 and 1918, a time marked by major geopolitical upheaval during World War I and the onset of postwar restructuring. The two years together encompass pivotal political, military, and social changes that reshaped many regions and laid groundwork for subsequent developments.

In Russia, the period saw the Russian Revolution, with the February 1917 abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the collapse of the imperial regime, followed by the establishment of a Provisional Government. The October 1917 revolution brought the Bolsheviks to power, leading to a shift toward communist governance and a separate peace with the Central Powers. In March 1918, Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, exiting the war and ceding territory to the Central Powers, a major realignment of the Eastern Front.

The United States entered World War I in 1917, providing a turning point in Allied capacity and resources. In 1918, Allied offensives and strategic momentum contributed to the weakening of German forces, ultimately culminating in the Armistice of November 11, 1918, which ended active combat in the war.

Across Europe and the wider world, the period witnessed the dissolution or weakening of empires, including the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires, and the redrawing of borders in the postwar settlement. The year 1918 also saw the onset of the global influenza pandemic, which had significant mortality and broader social impact.

Overall, 1917–1918 marks the transition from the height of World War I to the immediate postwar order, influencing geopolitical trajectories for years to come.