What Happened on December 18, 1917

Historical Events

Prohibition Passes

The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, authorizing prohibition of alcohol, is approved by the US congress and sent to the states for ratification [1]

The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which established prohibition

Finnish Independence Recognized

The Soviet government issues a decree recognizing Finland's newly-declared independence [N.S. December 31]

Marxist Revolutionary and Soviet Leader Vladimir Lenin

Events in 1917

Famous Birthdays

Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, American blues, jazz, and R&B alto saxophonist, born in Houston, Texas (d. 1988)
Raiford "Ossie" Davis, American actor, director, author, and civil rights activist (Purlie Victorious, Do the Right Thing, Hot Stuff, Man Called Adam), born in Cogdell, Clinch County, Georgia (d. 2005)

Born in 1917 1917 Highlights