04 June - The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded

 

The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded on 04 June 1917. Established by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a renowned newspaper publisher, the Pulitzer Prizes were created to recognize outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and music.

In 1917, the inaugural prizes included four journalism awards and four in the arts and letters:

Journalism:

1. Reporting: Herbert Bayard Swope of New York World for an article titled "Inside the German Empire."
2. History: Jean Jules Jusserand for "With Americans of Past and Present Days."
3. Biography or Autobiography: Laura E. Richards and Maud Howe Elliott assisted by Florence Howe Hall for "Julia Ward Howe (Houghton)."
4. Public Service: The New York Times for its public service in publishing in full so many official reports, documents, and speeches by European statesmen relating to the progress and conduct of the war.

Arts and Letters:

1. Novel: No award.
2. Drama: No award.
3. History: "With Americans of Past and Present Days" by Jean Jules Jusserand.
4. Biography or Autobiography: "Julia Ward Howe (Houghton)" by Laura E. Richards and Maud Howe Elliott assisted by Florence Howe Hall.

The Pulitzer Prizes have since evolved, now including a wider range of categories and continuing to honor excellence in journalism and the arts.