When Pictures Make History

Shattering the Illusion of Vietnam
Photographs and news reports from Southeast Asia reveal the barbarous nature of the American war effort in Vietnam, galvanizing public opposition to the conflict. As American involvement in Vietnam escalated in the 1960's, American officials were at pains to portray the war as a success, but the many images sent home by photojournalists (like Pulitzer Prize winner Horst Faas, the author of the above photo) and news crews working in the war zone belied their claims, contributing in part to President Johnson's decision to not seek re-election and forcing Americans to re-examine what it means to be patriotic.

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