Major Events of May 1917: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of May 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 May 1917 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

  • 01 May 1917 Sinking of German Submarine SM U-81: The German submarine SM U-81 was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the loss of 31 crew members. This incident highlights the intense naval warfare during World War I.
  • 02 May 1917 Anti-War Peace Council Established: On May 2, 1917, the People's Council of America for Democracy and the Terms of Peace was established in New York City. This pacifist organization aimed to mobilize American workers and intellectuals against the U.S. entry into World War I through publications and public demonstrations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 May 1917 French Forces Capture Brimont: On May 4, 1917, during World War I, French forces captured the village of Brimont in northeastern France, advancing against German positions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 May 1917 Ernie Koob No-Hitter Against Chicago White Sox: On May 5, 1917, St. Louis Browns pitcher Ernie Koob pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, winning 1-0. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 May 1917 First German Air Raid on London in World War I: On the night of May 6, 1917, a lone German Albatros C.VII aircraft conducted the first night bombing raid over London, dropping five small bombs in the Holloway and Hackney areas, resulting in one death and two injuries. source: rafmuseum.org.uk
  • 09 May 1917 Nivelle Offensive Abandoned during World War I: The Nivelle Offensive, initiated on April 16, 1917, aimed to break through German lines on the Aisne front. Despite initial gains, the offensive faced heavy casualties and limited success. By May 9, 1917, the operation was abandoned, leading to the dismissal of General Robert Nivelle and his replacement by General Philippe Pétain. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 May 1917 Pershing Appointed to Lead US Expeditionary Force: In May 1917, General John J. Pershing was appointed to lead the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) to Europe during World War I. His leadership was instrumental in organizing and deploying American troops to the Western Front. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 11 May 1917 Battle of the Crna Bend during World War I: The Battle of the Crna Bend was a significant engagement during World War I, involving intense fighting and strategic maneuvers. The battle's outcome had notable implications for the broader conflict. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 May 1917 Tenth Battle of the Isonzo Begins: The Tenth Battle of the Isonzo began on May 12, 1917, as part of a series of Italian offensives against Austro-Hungarian forces. The battle aimed to break through the Austro-Hungarian defenses along the Isonzo River. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 May 1917 First Apparition of Our Lady of Fátima: On May 13, 1917, three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal, reported the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary. This event marked the beginning of the Fátima apparitions, which became significant in Catholic tradition. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 14 May 1917 British Navy destroys German Zeppelin L22 in North Sea: On May 14, 1917, during World War I, the British Navy successfully destroyed the German Zeppelin L22 over the North Sea. This event marked a significant loss for the German airship fleet. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 15 May 1917 Naval clash in Straits of Otranto: On May 15, 1917, a naval clash occurred in the Straits of Otranto during World War I. The engagement involved British and Austro-Hungarian forces, impacting control over the Adriatic Sea. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 May 1917 Kerensky becomes Russian Minister of War: On May 16, 1917, Alexander Kerensky was appointed as the Minister of War and Navy in the Russian Provisional Government, following the resignation of several ministers. He had previously served as Minister of Justice and was known for his support of Russia's participation in World War I. source: britannica.com
  • 20 May 1917 Death of Philipp von Ferrary, Notable Stamp Collector: Philipp von Ferrary, a renowned French-born stamp collector, passed away in Lausanne, Switzerland. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 May 1917 Great Atlanta Fire of 1917: On May 21, 1917, a devastating fire erupted in Atlanta, Georgia, destroying 1,938 buildings over 300 acres and leaving over 10,000 people homeless. The fire burned for nearly 10 hours, with damages estimated at $5 million. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 May 1917 Mattoon, Illinois Tornado Disaster: On May 26, 1917, an F4 tornado struck Mattoon, Illinois, resulting in 101 fatalities and approximately 638 injuries. The tornado destroyed 496 homes and damaged 284 others, leaving many residents homeless. This event remains one of the deadliest tornadoes in Illinois history. source: weather.gov
  • 27 May 1917 Comprehensive Catholic Canon Law Codification: On May 27, 1917, Pope Benedict XV promulgated the first comprehensive codification of Catholic canon law, known as the Codex Iuris Canonici. This code replaced the previous Corpus Juris Canonici and became effective on May 19, 1918. source: britannica.com