(Friday, May 18, 1917; during World War I) — U.S. President Woodrow Wilson today signed the Selective Service Act of 1917, which gave him the power to conscript men ages 21 to 30 and the option of calling up 500,000 volunteers. Continue reading Wilson signs Selective Service Act, denies Roosevelt’s request to command volunteer division 100 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (May 18 1917)
Video: 'World War I: Nivelle Offensive 4/4' (May 15, 1917, at 1:44)
(Tuesday, May 15, 1917; during World War I) — Less than one month after launching the Nivelle Offensive, the disappointment of which triggered a series of significant mutinies on the Western Front, French General Robert Nivelle was replaced today as Commander-in-Chief of the French Army by Philippe Pétain. Continue reading Petain succeeds Nivelle as French Commander-in-Chief 100 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (May 15 1917)
Video: 'The Great War episode 5 Mutiny'(April 16, 1917, at 18:31)
(Monday, April 16, 1917; during the on the Western Front of World War I) — Siegfried Sassoon, an officer in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and one of Britain’s greatest war poets, was wounded by a German sniper today while leading his company in an attack at Fontaine-les-Croisilles. Continue reading Siegfried Sassoon wounded by a German sniper at Fontaine-les-Croisilles 100 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 16 1917)
Video: 'The Great War episode 5 Mutiny' (April 16, 1917, at 27:47)
(Monday, April 16, 1917, 6:00 a.m. CEST) — The Nivelle Offensive, a massive Franco-British offensive on the Western Front in the First World War, was launched today by General Robert Nivelle, commander of the French armies, deploying some 1.2 million soldiers and 7,000 artillery pieces, with which he promised to break the German line within 48 hours. Continue reading Nivelle Offensive begins in northern France 100 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 16 1917)
Video: 'Vimy Ridge Heaven to Hell - Full Documentary'
(Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, 5:30 a.m. CEST; on the Western Front during World War I) — Canadian forces launched a successful counter-offensive against German troops today in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a military engagement fought primarily as part of the Battle of Arras, a diversionary attack for the Apr. 16, 1917, French Nivelle Offensive in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. Continue reading Canadian forces launch counter-offensive against German troops in Battle of Vimy Ridge 100 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 9 1917)
Video: 'The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century (4of7): Slaughter' (Apr. 9 1917, at 41:20)
(Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, 5:30 a.m. CEST; on the Western Front during World War I) — The Battle of Arras, a British offensive against German defenses near the French city of Arras, began today east of Arras, with the 12th Division attacking Observation Ridge, north of the Arras—Cambrai road. Continue reading British offensive against German defenses near Arras, France begins 100 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 9 1917)
Video: 'Copy of Over There -- the only studio recording made by George M. Cohan'
(Saturday, April 7, 1917) — American entertainer and songwriter George M. Cohan, galvanized by America’s entry into World War I the day before, wrote his rousing call to arms, “Over There.” Continue reading George M. Cohan composes patriotic song ‘Over There’ 100 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 7 1917)
Video: 'WILSON ASKS CONGRESS TO DECLARE WAR 1917'
(Friday, April 6, 1917, 1:18 p.m. local time; during World War I) — War came to the United States this afternoon — war by the government and people against the Imperial German Government — as President Woodrow Wilson signed the congressional resolution declaring that “the state of war which has thrust upon the United States, is hereby formally declared.” Continue reading U.S. formally declares war on Germany, enters World War I 100 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 6 1917)
(Wednesday, April 4, 1917, 11:11 p.m. local time; during World War I) — Two days after U.S. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war against Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy,” the U.S. Senate tonight voted 82-6 in favor of declaring war against Germany. Continue reading U.S. Senate votes 82-6 for war against Germany 100 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Apr 4 1917)
(Monday, April 2, 1917, 8:35 p.m. local time; during World War I) — U.S. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress tonight to declare war against Germany, saying, “The world must be made safe for democracy.”
Wilson cited Germany’s violation of its pledge to suspend unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean as well as its attempts to entice Mexico into an alliance against the United States.
Video: 'President Woodrow Wilson's War Speech - 1917 - WW1 - Hear the Text'
