What Happened This Year 1917
Historical Events from This Year 1917
Lenin's Historic Return to Petrograd
Vladimir Lenin returned to Petrograd after years in exile, marking a pivotal moment in Russian history. After traveling through Germany and Sweden, he arrived to a tumultuous atmosphere favoring revolutionary change. His return was marked by a warm welcome from Bolshevik supporters, signaling the rise of extremist socialist ideologies. This event played a crucial role in igniting the Russian Revolution.
Continue ReadingFirst Apparition of Our Lady of Fátima
In Portugal, three children reported witnessing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Fátima. This miraculous event took place in the Cova da Iria, where Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, encountered the apparition of the Blessed Virgin. The children described her as radiantly beautiful and asked them to pray and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, marking the beginning of a series of apparitions that would attract global attention.
Continue ReadingSelective Service Act Grants President Conscription Power
The Selective Service Act was enacted, allowing the U.S. government to implement a draft for military service. This legislation authorized the federal government to raise a national army during World War I through compulsory enlistment of eligible men. It marked a significant shift in American military policy, reflecting the urgent need for troops as the war intensified. The act also established a system of local draft boards across the country to manage the conscription process.
Continue ReadingFoundation of Rosenborg BK Football Club
Rosenborg Ballklub, a prominent Norwegian football club, was established in 1917 in Trondheim. The founders aimed to create a sports organization that could contribute to the local community's passion for football and foster athletic talent. The club's name reflects its origins, as it was named after the Rosenborg Castle, symbolizing strength and unity. The initial focus was on developing local young players and promoting the sport throughout Norway.
Continue ReadingDevastating Fire Sweeps Through Atlanta
A catastrophic fire ravaged Atlanta, destroying vast areas of the city and displacing thousands. The blaze consumed approximately 300 acres, including 2,000 homes, numerous businesses, and places of worship. Firefighters struggled to contain the flames as they swept through densely populated neighborhoods. Fortunately, despite the extensive damage and mass displacement, only one individual lost their life, succumbing to a heart attack amidst the chaos. The fire began in the afternoon, eliciting a swift response from local fire departments and residents.
Continue ReadingEstablishment of the Imperial War Graves Commission
The Imperial War Graves Commission (IWGC) was founded to ensure that the graves of the military personnel who died during World War I were properly marked, recorded, and maintained. Formed through a royal charter, its mission encompassed not only British troops but also those from across the British Empire. The commission aimed to commemorate the sacrifices made during the war and to create a lasting tribute for future generations. This initiative addressed the necessity for a unified approach to remembrance, establishing standards for burial sites that still influence war memorial practices today.
Continue ReadingPromulgation of the 1917 Code of Canon Law
Pope Benedict XV formally promulgated the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which represented the first comprehensive legal codification of the Catholic Church's rules and regulations. This significant document was created to address the needs of the Church in a modern world and included provisions that affected various aspects of Catholic life, administration, and governance. The creation of the Code stemmed from a desire for consistency and clarity in Catholic law, reflecting changes in society and the Church’s operations. The promulgation officially took place at the Vatican, marking a pivotal moment in ecclesiastical legal history.
Continue ReadingFirst Pulitzer Prizes Awarded
The first Pulitzer Prizes recognized outstanding works in various fields, with Laura E. Richards, Maude H. Elliott, and Florence Hall receiving the inaugural Pulitzer for Biography for their joint work on Julia Ward Howe. Jean Jules Jusserand was awarded the first Pulitzer for History for his book, 'With Americans of Past and Present Days,' while Herbert B. Swope secured the first Pulitzer for Journalism for his reporting in the New York World. This marked a significant moment in American literary and journalistic achievement.
Continue ReadingArmy Registration Day and Conscription Begins
On June 5, 1917, over 10 million American men registered for the draft during Army Registration Day, marking a significant step in U.S. involvement in World War I. The event was mandated by the Selective Service Act of 1917, which aimed to rapidly expand the U.S. military forces. Citizens across the country queued at local registration offices, making it one of the largest mobilizations in U.S. history. This registration was crucial as the country prepared to send troops overseas to support Allied forces in the ongoing conflict.
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