Pulitzer Prizes: How It All Began in 1917

The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded on June 4, 1917, marking the beginning of a tradition that would come to represent the highest standards in American journalism and letters. Among the inaugural recipients were Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe Elliott, and Florence Hall, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography for their work Julia Ward Howe, 1819–1910. The book was a collaborative biography of Julia Ward Howe, a prominent abolitionist and advocate for women’s rights. Written by her daughters, it offered a deeply personal and insightful account of Howe’s life and influence on American social reform.

Jean Jules Jusserand, a French diplomat who served as ambassador to the United States, received the first Pulitzer Prize for History. His winning work, With Americans of Past and Present Days, was a thoughtful collection of essays exploring the shared values and historical ties between France and America. Jusserand's elegant writing and unique perspective as a foreign observer added depth and humanity to his historical reflections, making his contribution a standout in the prize’s inaugural year.

In the field of journalism, Herbert Bayard Swope of the New York World earned the first Pulitzer Prize for Reporting. His series titled Inside the German Empire provided American readers with an unprecedented view into Germany during World War I. Swope's fearless reporting and vivid storytelling brought critical international perspectives to the U.S. audience at a time when global awareness was vital.

These awards were administered by Columbia University, as stipulated in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a pioneering newspaper publisher who had built his career on elevating journalistic standards. While there was no elaborate ceremony in 1917 like we see today, the recipients were honored through formal recognition by the university, fulfilling Pulitzer’s vision to encourage excellence in journalism and the arts.

Joseph Pulitzer had conceived the idea of these awards in his 1904 will. A Hungarian-American immigrant who made a lasting impact on the American press, Pulitzer believed that journalism should serve the public good by informing, educating, and holding the powerful accountable. He endowed Columbia University with $250,000 to establish a school of journalism and to fund the annual prizes. The awards that bear his name continue to reflect his belief in the power of the written word and the responsibilities of the press and literary arts in a democratic society.