The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

What happened

Soviet Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers, formally withdrawing from the war. The terms were harsh: Russia surrendered vast western territories, including present-day Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine.

Why it matters

The treaty freed Germany to shift huge forces to the Western Front for a final gamble in 1918, while confirming Russia's exit from the war.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Treaty of Brest-Litovsk · Reputable source