The Highlights of 1917: A Year That Shaped the Future

1917

1917 (MCMXVII in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1917th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.

Is 1917 a year special to you? Discover what 1917 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1917, 1917 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1917, how old is someone born in 1917 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1917.

On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1917 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.

history

What was 1917 known for ?

  • As the First World War raged, 1917 saw some important developments. Most notably, this was the year that the United States entered the Great War.
  • Having remained officially neutral to this point, the United States took issue with the resumption of the German U-boat campaign in the Atlantic. Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare on February 1st, and it was on February 24th that the infamous “Zimmerman Telegram” was shown to the US ambassador to the United Kingdom. The contents of the telegram were disclosed to the American public days later, adding fuel to the cause of Americans who wished to intervene on the side of the Allies. With the telegram and several other factors at play, the United States would ultimately declare war on Germany on April 6th.
  • In another major political development, Czar Nicholas II abdicated his throne, officially bringing the Russian Empire and the Romanov Dynasty to an end. 1917 was also the year of the October Revolution in Russia and the beginning of the Russian Civil War, which would lead to the establishment of the communist regime of the Soviet Union.
  • Another interesting note revolves around the British Royal Family. In July of 1917, King George V proclaimed that his family and descendants would use the surname of Windsor, changing the name from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
  • Despite headlines this year revolving around the war, there were some notable cultural developments as well. In an important literary development, this was the year that J.R.R. Tolkien began writing The Book of Lost Tales, which was the first version of his famous Silmarillion. Tolkien worked while on medical leave from the British Army after becoming ill from the brutal conditions of trench warfare.
  • In film, Buster Keaton made his debut in “The Butcher Boy,” a short film that was the first in a series of films involving Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. In another development, the world’s first feature-length animated film, El Apostol, was made in Argentina.

1917 historical events  Famous people born in 1917  Famous deaths in 1917Popular Baby Names in 1917

Your place in the Universe on 1917

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Key World Leaders of 1917

Who was the U.S. President in 1917?

In 1917, Woodrow Wilson (Democrat) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from March 04, 1913 to March 04, 1921. His presidency led the U.S. through World War I and proposed the League of Nations for global peace.

Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1917?

In 1917 the UK Prime Minister was David Lloyd George (Liberal). His administration led the country to victory in World War I and laid the foundation for the League of Nations.

Who was the Pope in 1917?

The leader of the Catholic Church in 1917 was Pope Benedict XV who had held the papacy since 1914. During his papacy, he worked tirelessly for peace during World War I and promoted humanitarian efforts for war victims.

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What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1917?

The number 1 song in the USA in 1917, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was My Own Iona by Horace Wright

cinema movies

What was the most popular movie in 1917?

The most popular movie and box office hit was On Dangerous Ground by Robert Thornby

On Dangerous Ground
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What was the best selling book in 1917?

Anne's House of Dreams (Anne of Green Gables, #5)
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How old is someone born in 1917?

Someone born in 1917 is 108 years old this year.

Discover 1917 calendar

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Snake chinese zodiac sign

What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1917?


According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1917 was the Year of the Snake.

Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Snake sign.