Get ready for a whirlwind journey through the annals of history; from wreckages and wars to leaders and liberators, this striking compilation of photographs captivates and educates.
Wreck of the Gratitude (1911)
The ‘Gratitude’ was a Norwegian whaling vessel that wrecked off Macquarie Island in 1911. It’s significant as it led to the end of the short-lived, but ecologically devastating, Antarctic whaling industry in that region.
British Soldiers Inspect Goliaths (June 1944)
‘Doodlebugs’ or ‘Goliath’ were early precursors to modern drones. They were used by the Germans during WWII as mobile landmines and could carry 60-100kg of high explosives, pioneering the concept of remote warfare.
Benjamin, Last Tasmanian Tiger (1933)
The Tasmanian Tiger, also named Thylacine, was not a tiger at all. It was a carnivorous marsupial that carried its young in a pouch like a kangaroo and is believed to have become extinct due to overhunting.
Teddy Roosevelt Watches Funeral (1865)
Teddy Roosevelt’s viewing of Lincoln’s funeral as a child directly influenced his future leadership. He admired Lincoln’s determination in crisis, which later shaped his ‘speak softly, carry a big stick’ ideology.
Tibetan Nuns (1910)
In 1910, Tibetan nuns shattered gender norms by practicing Dorjee Phamo, a female deity spiritual form. Typically reserved for males, their bold step reflected significant early feminist principles within Tibetan Buddhism.
USS Enterprise: Battle Ready (1942)
The USS Enterprise (CV-6) was one of three U.S. carriers not in Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack. Consequently, it played a crucial role in the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942, where the U.S. achieved a decisive victory against Japan.
Fiorello La Guardia, NYC Mayor (1939)
During a newspaper strike in 1945, NYC Mayor Fiorello La Guardia wanted to ensure that children could still enjoy their favorite comic strips. He took to the airwaves of WNYC, reading and narrating comics like “Dick Tracy,” turning them into captivating radio stories.
Alben W. Barkley at Buchenwald (1945)
Alben W. Barkley, having witnessed the horrors of Buchenwald concentration camp, would later as Vice President under Harry S. Truman play a significant role in the Truman Doctrine, a policy aimed at stopping the spread of Communism and supporting nations at risk of Soviet influence.
Gavrilo Princip Arrested (1914)
Gavrilo Princip’s arrest in 1914 ignited WWI. His assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was not just a case of political rebellion, but the catalyst for a chain reaction of events, dragging over 32 countries into the bloodiest global conflict till then.
Burning Refineries of Abadan (1980-1981)
Abadan, once a bustling city fuelled by its oil refinery – world’s largest, witnessed a grim panorama during the 8-month-long siege in the Iran-Iraq war. With refineries burning, it became one of the most devastated urban areas in modern military history.
Assassination of Asanuma (1960)
Inejiro Asanuma, a Japanese socialist leader, was assassinated in a shocking live-broadcasted event by a teenage nationalist, Otoya Yamaguchi, who used a traditional samurai sword. This significant incident highlighted the intense political tension in Japan during the 60s.
JFK & LBJ at NASA (1962)
In 1962, JFK visited NASA with VP Lyndon B. Johnson, confirming the U.S commitment to the Moon landing. This consolidated JFK’s legacy of promoting space exploration despite the budgetary concerns raised by his advisors. He was assassinated the following year.
WWII German Road Signs in Paris (1940-44)
During WWII, the German occupying forces installed distinctive bilingual road signs in Paris. They had place names in both French and German, in unique Gothic script for German, reflecting their control over the city. These signs were a poignant symbol of the occupation.
Cologne Devastation (1945)
By April 1945, Cologne was among the most devastated cities after WWII. Remarkably, the Cologne Cathedral, despite 14 direct hits by aerial bombs, managed to stand virtually undamaged amid the flattened city, becoming a symbol of resilience.
USS Philippine Sea: Snow (1945)
The USS Philippine Sea, an aircraft carrier, showcased exceptional combat maneuvering and radar operation capabilities when it successfully shot down six Japanese planes during an intense snowstorm in WWII. The challenging weather conditions didn’t hinder the crew’s efficiency.
American Soldiers Hunt Sniper (1944)
Despite heavy artillery and gunfire, American soldiers courageously combed war-torn Saint-Lô in search of a hidden German sniper. This quest encapsulates both the strategic importance of snipers in WW2 and the sheer bravery of soldiers in dangerous situations.
Granado & Guevara on Amazon (ca. 1952)
In 1952, Alberto Granado and Che Guevara, later a key figure in the Cuban Revolution, embarked on their journey across South America via a wooden raft they christened “Mambo-Tango”. Intriguingly, this raft was gifted to them by grateful leprosy patients they had treated.
Allies Visit Aviators (1917)
This photo marks a significant moment in WWI. The Allies, including Bulgarians and Germans, visited aviators in Belica. Intriguingly, the photo is taken against a British plane captured by Central Powers, a testament to the relentless battles of the era.
Japan to US Delegation (1860)
The first Japanese delegation to the United States in 1860 marked Japan’s first diplomatic mission to a foreign country in over 200 years due to its previous isolationist policy, signifying a major turning point in Japan’s global interactions.
Kharkov’s Snow: 1943
Despite harsh winter conditions, the Soviets successfully implemented Operation Star in Kharkov (1943), encircling German forces. This pivotal victory marked a turning point in the Eastern Front campaign during World War II.
Hitler & Blondi at Berghof (May 1942)
Adolf Hitler was remarkably affectionate towards his German Shepard, Blondi, often taking her to political meetings. In 1942, photographer Heinrich Hoffmann captured a tender moment between Hitler and Blondi on the balcony of The Berghof, his mountain retreat.
Women Operators, Richmond (1884)
In 1884, the Southern Bell Telephone Company began hiring women operators in Richmond, Virginia. This was groundbreaking as it witnessed a significant shift in the job market, opening new avenues for women’s employment in telecommunication industry.
Hitler’s Putsch Prep (Nov 1923)
The Stosstrupp Adolf Hitler was a paramilitary unit personally responsible for Hitler’s protection. The Beer Hall Putsch was their first significant operation, attempting to seize control of the Bavarian government and spark a national revolution in 1923.
Kennedy Proclaims “Ich bin ein Berliner” (1963)
President Kennedy’s iconic speech, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” was a statement of solidarity with West Berlin during the Cold War. The phrase translates to “I am a Berliner,” symbolizing unity in free world against Soviet communism.
Immigrants at Ellis Island (ca. 1907-1912)
The Main Hall at Ellis Island was where immigrants underwent medical and legal inspections. During 1907-1912, America’s largest immigration wave, it was filled with hopeful arrivals, becoming a symbol of the American Dream.
Me 262 Defection (1945)
The defected test pilot amazingly flew the Me 262, world’s first operational jet-powered fighter, from Nazi control to an Allied airfield, providing the Allies an unparalleled opportunity to study and counteract this advanced technology during WWII.
Hiding Moms to Capture Kids (19th Century)
During the 19th century, long photographic exposure times made it tough for children to sit still. To remedy this, photographers “hid” mothers within the frame, often under cloth or behind furniture, who would then hold the child still for the perfect shot.
“Wooly Bail Jumper” (ca. 1950)
“Wooly Bail Jumper” is an amusing anecdote from 1950s, Manchester. Escaping its pen, a rogue sheep led City Police on an unexpected chase. Blur between urban and rural life, this incident presented a unique duty for the city police: recapture a wooly fugitive!
Diamond Washing, Kimberley (1885)
Diamond Washing & Sorting in Kimberley, 1885 refers to the process applied during the diamond mining boom in South Africa. Kimberley was the world’s largest diamond mine, nicknamed ‘Big Hole’, mined entirely by hand, producing 2722 kg of diamonds.
Charing Cross Station, London (1895)
Charing Cross Station, London, was the terminus for South Eastern Railway since 1864. In 1895, it incorporated the world’s first electric taxi, called the Bersey Taxi, contributing to London’s transport evolution.
Group at Plum Island (21 Aug 1890)
The photo “Group in the sand at Plum Island Point, MA, 21 Aug 1890” captures a casual gathering on the beach, a rare glimpse into the 19th century leisure life. It’s preserved by Newburyport Public Library Archival Center, reflecting an era before modern beach tourism.
Young Americans Photographing President (22 July 1969)
On July 22, 1969, young Americans, armed with cameras, eagerly attempted to photograph President Nixon during a historic period. It was a day after Apollo 11 astronauts, first men on the moon, safely returned to Earth, marking a victory for American space ambitions.
Gutted White House (1950)
In the 1950s, the White House underwent a complete renovation. Every room was emptied, resembling a hollow warehouse. Astoundingly, even a bulldozer was maneuvered inside, encapsulating the extreme scale of this historic restoration project.
Rolla, KS Panorama (1935)
The panorama of Rolla, Kansas in 1935 is a captivating visual journey into history. Little has changed over 77 years. This image encapsulates the enduring spirit of this small, agricultural community, which despite technological advances has held onto its rustic, traditional charm.
Joseph Stalin Mugshot (1911)
This 1911 mugshot showcases a young Joseph Stalin, who was then a revolutionary activist against Tsarist Russia. It was only about 10 years later that he’d begin his rise to power in the Soviet Union.
George Pickett’s Charge
George E. Pickett was not only a Confederate general in the Civil War but also a significant participant in the Pig War, an 1859 boundary dispute between the UK and the US, nearly causing a major conflict.
Rations at Andersonville Prison (1864)
Andersonville Prison was infamous for its horrific conditions. It was designed for 10,000 prisoners but held over 45,000 during the US Civil War. It saw the highest mortality rate among similar facilities, with nearly 13,000 Union prisoners dying there.
Prostitutes in NYC (1988)
In 1988, NYC saw a sharp rise in street prostitution amidst the crack cocaine epidemic. This challenging period forced city officials to adopt innovative strategies, contributing to modern crime-fighting tactics we see today.
Steven Spielberg & Miniature (1980)
Spielberg used miniatures for complex sets in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Miniatures allow directors to experiment with shots and angles inexpensively, and also used to create special effects in the pre-digital era. Spielberg is a master of this technique.
