1917

January 22 - President Wilson calls for a league of peace to promote the resolution of conflicts.

January 30 - In the U.S., the first jazz record is cut.

February 3 - President Wilson severs diplomatic relations with Germany.

February 25 - President Wilson asks for permission to arm merchant ships.

March 15 - U.S. government recognizes the new government formed in Russia by Aleksandr Kerensky.

March 21 - The first female U.S. Navy Petty Officer is Loretta Walsh.

March 31 - The U.S. purchases the Virgin Islands from Denmark.

April 6 - The U.S. declares war on Germany.

April 25 - The first U.S. war loan is made to Great Britain.

May 18 - The Selective Services Act is passed authorizing the registration and drafting of U.S. males between the ages of 21 and 30.

June 4 - H. B. Swope becomes the first newspaper reporter to receive the Pulitzer Prize.

June 26 - The first American forces arrive in France.

July 20 - The U.S. Draft Lottery for World War I begins.

August 5 - The National Guard becomes a U.S. Federal Service.

November 5 - American troops under General Pershing go into action for the first time on the Western Front.

November 9 - Forty-one women are arrested outside the White House for suffragette demonstrations.

December 1 - Boys Town is founded by Father Edward Flanagan west of Omaha, Nebraska.

December 7 - The U.S. declares war on Austria-Hungary.