World War One 1917
January 1917
Reich Foreign Secretary Zimmermann's telegram to Mexico urging her entry into war against the United States is discovered and translated by the British.
February 1,1917
Germany again declares unrestricted submarine warfare.
March 15,1917
Tsar Nicholas II of Russia abdicates. Provisional government is declared.
April 6,1917
President Wilson asks Congress for a declaration of war with Imperial Germany.
April 16-29,1917
French launch disastrous offensive at Chemin des Dames, advancing only 500 yards at the cost of 250,000 plus casualties.
April-June,1917
Over half a million French soldiers mutiny, or "go on strike" and refuse to continue the failed offensive.
May 18,1917
The United States passes the Selective Service Act empowering the Federal Government to draft men for the armed forces.
July 1-16,1917
Russian Army lead by Alexander Kerensky begins last -- and disastrous -- offensive in Galicia.
July 3,1917
The first wave of the American Expeditionary Force lands in France.
July 31- November 10, 1917
Third Battle of Ypres, known as Passchendaele, results in minor gains, but still no breakthrough in the Western front at the cost of 700,000 casualties for both sides.
October 23,1917
American troops in France fire their first shot in trench warfare.
November 7,1917
Bolshevik socialists, led by Lenin, overthrow Kerensky's government.
December 3,1917
The new Russian government, represented by Leon Trotsky, signs an armistice with Germany.
December 9,1917
British capture Jerusalem from the Turks and her Arab allies.