By the Numbers in 1917
World Population
—
UK Life Expectancy
49.6 years
US Life Expectancy
50.7 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$20.68
Dow Jones Index
77
US National Debt
—
Sovereign Nations
54
How Much Did Things Cost in 1917?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £280 | $3,400 |
| Average salary | £85 | $650 |
| Pint of milk | 3d | 9¢ |
| Loaf of bread | 4d | 8¢ |
| Dozen eggs | 1s 8d | 42¢ |
| Pint of beer | 3d | 5¢ |
Technology and Inventions in 1917
Military technology continued its grim advance. Improved tanks, aircraft, and artillery techniques were developed. The ODJB's recording brought jazz to a mass audience. Clarence Birdseye was experimenting with flash freezing food. Sonar development progressed to counter submarines.
- ● The Original Dixieland Jass Band made the first commercial jazz recording
- ● The 100-inch Hooker telescope installed at Mount Wilson Observatory
- ● Improved tank designs deployed at the Battle of Cambrai
- ● The condenser microphone was invented, enabling better sound recording
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