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Major Events of June 1917: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from June 1917 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of June 1917: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Jun 1917 French Infantry Regiment Rebellion in Missy-aux-Bois: A French infantry regiment staged a localized mutiny in Missy-aux-Bois, declaring an anti-war military government. However, their rebellion was quickly suppressed by other French army troops, highlighting the growing war fatigue and dissent within the French military during World War I.
  • 02 Jun 1917 Pershing's Million-Man Army Request in World War I: During World War I, U.S. Brigadier General John J. Pershing submitted a groundbreaking request to mobilize an army of 1,000,000 men, signaling the United States' commitment to a massive military effort in the European conflict. This unprecedented request demonstrated the scale of military preparation needed to support the Allied forces and marked a pivotal moment in American military history.
  • 03 Jun 1917 Italy Establishes Protectorate over Albania: On June 3, 1917, during World War I, Italy officially proclaimed a protectorate over Albania, effectively taking control of the independent state. This strategic move was part of Italy's broader geopolitical ambitions in the Balkan region, seeking to expand its territorial influence and political control during a tumultuous period of European history.
  • 04 Jun 1917 First Pulitzer Prizes Awarded: The inaugural Pulitzer Prizes were presented, recognizing outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and music. Notable recipients included Laura E. Richards, Maude H. Elliott, and Florence Hall for biography, Jean Jules Jusserand for history, and Herbert B. Swope for journalism.
  • 05 Jun 1917 US World War I Draft Registration: On June 5, 1917, approximately ten million American men between the ages of 21 and 30 registered for the military draft as part of the United States' mobilization effort during World War I. This massive registration day, known as the Selective Service Act of 1917, marked a pivotal moment in U.S. military history, dramatically expanding the nation's military capabilities and demonstrating the country's commitment to the Allied war effort.
  • 06 Jun 1917 German Aircraft Attack British Supply Train in World War I: During World War I, German aircraft conducted a strategic attack on a British supply train near the Western Front, disrupting critical ammunition supplies. The attack forced British artillery to cease firing after just three hours, demonstrating the emerging importance of aerial warfare in military operations.
  • 07 Jun 1917 Battle of Messines in World War I: During World War I, Allied forces executed a strategic and devastating attack at Messines Ridge, using a series of underground mines to destroy German defensive positions. Nineteen mines were simultaneously detonated beneath German trenches, killing approximately 10,000 German troops and creating massive craters. The British Second Army, led by General Sir Herbert Plumer, launched a coordinated assault involving II Anzac Corps, IX Corps, and X Corps, supported by tanks, cavalry, and aircraft. The attack successfully advanced the front line, captured thousands of German prisoners, and secured a critical strategic position in West Flanders, Belgium.
  • 08 Jun 1917 Walt Disney High School Graduation: Walt Disney, the future legendary animator, film producer, and entrepreneur, graduates from Benton High School. This milestone marks an early step in the life of a person who would profoundly transform the entertainment industry and create one of the most influential media companies in the world.
  • 09 Jun 1917 Allied Powers Demand Abdication of King Constantine of Greece: In a significant diplomatic move during World War I, the Allied governments presented a formal demand to Greece calling for the abdication of King Constantine I. This ultimatum was rooted in the king's perceived pro-German sympathies and his resistance to joining the Allies, which created significant tension in Greek political and diplomatic circles.
  • 10 Jun 1917 Ukrainian People's Republic Established: On June 10, 1917, the Ukrainian People's Republic was initially established as an autonomous part of the Russian Republic. This marked a crucial step towards Ukrainian national self-determination, with the republic later declaring full independence on January 25, 1918, during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution.
  • 11 Jun 1917 Royal Transition in Greece During World War I: King Alexander assumes the throne of Greece after his father, Constantine I, is compelled to abdicate under significant pressure from Allied armies occupying Athens. This political maneuver was part of the complex geopolitical landscape of World War I, where external military forces directly influenced the internal governance of Greece.
  • 12 Jun 1917 US Army Establishes New Aero Squadrons: On June 12, 1917, during the early stages of the United States' involvement in World War I, the U.S. Army strategically established three new Aero Squadrons - the 33rd, 35th, and 36th - marking a significant expansion of military aviation capabilities and preparedness for aerial combat.
  • 13 Jun 1917 German Air Raid on London During World War I: On June 13, 1917, during World War I, the German Luftstreitkräfte conducted the most devastating aerial bombardment of London using Gotha G bombers. This strategic bombing raid resulted in 162 fatalities, tragically including 46 children, and caused 432 injuries. The attack marked a significant escalation in aerial warfare, demonstrating the emerging role of aircraft as instruments of terror and strategic military engagement.
  • 14 Jun 1917 Battle of Messines Continues in World War I: The Battle of Messines continued with British and Commonwealth forces advancing to capture a strategic ridge. The attack was preceded by a concentrated artillery bombardment and the detonation of nineteen massive underground mines, a innovative military tactic of the time.
  • 15 Jun 1917 United States Espionage Act of 1917: During World War I, the United States Congress passed the Espionage Act, a controversial legislation that significantly restricted free speech and press freedoms during wartime. The act made it illegal to interfere with military operations, promote enemy success, or obstruct military recruitment.
  • 16 Jun 1917 First All-Russian Congress of Soviets: The First All-Russian Congress of Soviets was held with approximately 1,100 delegates, predominantly from the Socialist Revolutionary Party. This landmark political assembly played a crucial role in shaping the revolutionary landscape of Russia, representing a significant step in the country's transition towards a new political system.
  • 17 Jun 1917 British Royal Family Renames Itself Windsor: During World War I, King George V officially changed the royal family's surname from the Germanic 'Saxe-Coburg and Gotha' to the more English-sounding 'Windsor'. This was a strategic move to distance the British monarchy from its German roots during a time of intense anti-German sentiment in Britain due to the ongoing war.
  • 18 Jun 1917 Battle of the Hills: The final German attempt to recapture lost ground from French forces was decisively repelled. Since April 16, the Allies had achieved substantial victories, capturing approximately 52,000 prisoners, 440 heavy and field guns, and over 1,000 machine guns, demonstrating the Allied forces' growing military superiority.
  • 19 Jun 1917 British Royal Family Changes Name During World War I: During World War I, King George V issued a significant royal decree ordering members of the British royal family to abandon their German titles and surnames. In response to growing anti-German sentiment, the royal family adopted the anglicized surname 'Windsor', effectively distancing themselves from their Germanic royal roots.
  • 21 Jun 1917 Russian Black Sea Fleet Mutiny: On June 21, 1917, a significant mutiny erupted in the Russian Black Sea fleet stationed at Sevastopol. This event was part of the broader revolutionary upheaval in Russia during World War I, reflecting growing discontent among sailors with the Tsarist military leadership and contributing to the broader social and political instability that would ultimately lead to the Russian Revolution.
  • 23 Jun 1917 Italy Establishes Protectorate over Albania: Italy formally established a protectorate over Albania, strategically positioning itself to control the region and ensure a nominally independent Albanian state under Italian influence. This move was part of Italy's geopolitical ambitions during the early 20th century.
  • 24 Jun 1917 American Troops Safely Arrive in France: A critical moment in World War I occurred when American troop ships successfully navigated the dangerous Atlantic, arriving safely in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ships narrowly avoided potential German U-boat attacks, marking a significant logistical achievement and boosting the morale of American soldiers, sailors, and Marines who were about to enter the European theater of war.
  • 25 Jun 1917 First American Troops Land in France During World War I: On June 25, 1917, the first contingent of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) arrived in France during World War I, marking a significant turning point in the global conflict. Led by General John J. Pershing, these troops represented the United States' formal military commitment to the Allied Powers against Germany and the Central Powers. Their arrival boosted Allied morale and signaled the potential decisive role the United States would play in the war's outcome.
  • 26 Jun 1917 American Expeditionary Force Arrives in France: The first American Expeditionary Force arrived in France during World War I, marking a significant moment in the United States' entry into the global conflict. These troops represented the first wave of American military personnel who would play a crucial role in turning the tide of the war in Europe.
  • 27 Jun 1917 Greece Joins the Allied Powers in World War I: Greece officially entered World War I on the side of the Allies, significantly shifting the geopolitical dynamics of the conflict in the Balkan region and expanding the Allied coalition's military capabilities.
  • 28 Jun 1917 Greece Enters World War I on Allied Side: On June 28, 1917, Greece officially joined the Allied powers during World War I, marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the conflict. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, Greece aligned with Britain, France, and Russia, abandoning its previous stance of neutrality. This decision came after considerable internal political tension and external pressure, ultimately contributing to the Allied war effort in the Balkan theater.
  • 29 Jun 1917 Brusilov Offensive Launched on Eastern Front: The Brusilov Offensive, a major Russian military operation during World War I, commenced on June 29, 1917. Led by General Aleksei Brusilov, this strategic offensive targeted Austro-Hungarian and German forces along the Eastern Front. The operation was notable for its innovative tactical approach, utilizing concentrated artillery bombardments and coordinated infantry attacks to achieve breakthrough. Despite initial successes, the offensive was ultimately constrained by Russia's deteriorating internal political situation following the February Revolution earlier that year.
  • 30 Jun 1917 Birth of Lena Horne: Lena Horne, a pioneering African American singer, actress, and civil rights activist, was born in Brooklyn, New York. She would become famous for her powerful rendition of 'Stormy Weather' and break significant racial barriers in entertainment during her illustrious career.