What was happening in 1917

– Albert Einstein published his first paper on cosmology, applying the general theory of relativity to model the structure of the universe as a whole.

– Harry Houdini performed his first buried alive escape near Santa Ana, California

– The Russian Revolution began, Czar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated, and the Bolsheviks seized control of the Russian government.

– The Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association became the first United States-based team to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the National Hockey Association champion Montreal Canadiens. – Canadians were involved in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele in the First World War.

– Carrying explosives, French cargo ship Mont-Blanc collided with Norwegian vessel Imo in Halifax Harbour on Dec. 6, 1917, causing an explosion that killed more than 2,000 people, injured 9,000 and destroyed a large section of the city.

– Robert Borden led his pro-conscription Unionist Party of Canada coalition to a second consecutive majority victory in the federal election.

– The NHL started its inaugural season in December.

– Income tax was introduced in Canada as a temporary wartime measure.

– In Alberta, Louise McKinney became the first woman elected to a legislature in the British Commonwealth.

Other people born in 1917

– Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald 1917-1996

– U.S. President John F. Kennedy 1917-1963

– Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor 19172016

– Prime Minister Indira Ghandi 1917-1984

– Actress, civil rights activist, dancer, singer Lena Horne 19172010

– Actor Desi Arnaz 1917-1986 – Actor, comedian, singer Dean Martin 1917-1995

– Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos 1917-1989 – Guitarist, singer John Lee Hooker 1917-2001

– Songwriter, trumpet player, singer Dizzy Gillespie 1917-1993