15 Historical Photos That Changed How We See the Past
Each image captured a moment that shaped public opinion, sparked change, or revealed a hidden truth.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Photos can show history in ways words cannot. This list shares 15 pictures that made people stop, think, and sometimes act. Each one tells a real story about the past and how it still matters today.
1. View from the Window at Le Gras (1826)
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
Captured by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, this image is the world’s first surviving photograph. Taken from his estate in France, it marks the inception of photography, forever changing how we document and perceive the world.
2. A Harvest of Death (1863)
Timothy H. O’Sullivan / Alexander Gardner on Wikimedia Commons
Photographed by Timothy H. O’Sullivan during the Battle of Gettysburg, this haunting image reveals the brutal aftermath of war. It brought the stark realities of the Civil War into public consciousness, challenging romanticized notions of battle.
3. Warsaw Ghetto Boy (1943)
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
This poignant photograph captures a young Jewish boy surrendering during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Symbolizing the suffering of countless children during the Holocaust, it remains one of the most powerful images of World War II.
4. Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima (1945)
Joe Rosenthal on Wikimedia Commons
Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph of U.S. Marines hoisting the flag became a symbol of American perseverance and unity during World War II. Its powerful imagery galvanized the nation and remains a testament to courage.
5. V-J Day in Times Square (1945)
Victor Jorgensen on Wikimedia Commons
Captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt, this spontaneous kiss between a sailor and a nurse epitomized the relief and joy at the end of World War II. It became an enduring image of celebration and hope.
6. The Falling Man (2001)
The Falling Man Statue
Richard Drew’s photograph of a man falling from the Twin Towers during the 9/11 attacks encapsulates the horror and human cost of that day. Its stark imagery sparked conversations about media, ethics, and remembrance.
7. Afghan Girl (1984)
Back View of a Woman
Steve McCurry’s portrait of Sharbat Gula, a young Afghan refugee, captivated the world with her haunting gaze. Featured on National Geographic’s cover, it became a symbol of the plight of refugees and the resilience of the human spirit.
8. The Wright Brothers’ First Flight (1903)
http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//11/media-11677/large.jpg on Pexels
Captured at just the right moment, this photo shows the Wright Flyer lifting off the ground for the first time. It was the dawn of aviation, and one image proved that powered flight was possible. The photo became a symbol of innovation and human achievement.
9. The Hindenburg Disaster (1937)
Sam Shere on Wikimedia Commons
As the Hindenburg airship exploded while docking in New Jersey, a photojournalist captured this haunting image mid-tragedy. The photo spread quickly and shifted public opinion on the safety of airship travel. It marked the end of the airship era almost overnight.
10. The “Tank Man” at Tiananmen Square (1989)
Ciro Santilli on Wikimedia Commons
A lone man stood in front of a line of tanks during a crackdown in Beijing, and a photographer captured the exact moment. No one knows his name, but his bravery was seen around the world. The image became a symbol of resistance and courage against oppression.
11. The Beatles Crossing Abbey Road (1969)
Earthrise from Apollo 8 (1968) on Wikimedia Commons
This casual crosswalk photo of The Beatles became one of the most famous album covers in history. It turned a regular London street into a global landmark. The image helped define a cultural moment and showed the power of music and photography combined.
12. Ruby Bridges Walking to School (1960)
Uncredited DOJ photographer, restored by Adam Cuerden (a relatively minor restoration) on Wikimedia Commons
Six-year-old Ruby Bridges became a symbol of civil rights when she integrated an all-white school in New Orleans. A now-iconic photo shows her walking to class flanked by federal marshals. Her small steps carried a powerful message of courage and progress.
13. Anne Frank’s Only Known Video (1941)
Anonymous on Wikimedia Commons
This brief clip shows Anne Frank at a window, smiling down at a wedding in her neighborhood. Just a few seconds long, it’s the only known moving image of her before she went into hiding. It adds a living dimension to a girl the world knows through words.
14. The Napalm Girl (1972)
David Hume Kennerly on Wikimedia Commons
A young girl runs down a road, naked and screaming, after a napalm attack in Vietnam. The image, raw and immediate, shifted public perception of the war. It showed the true cost of conflict on innocent lives and helped fuel the anti-war movement.
15. Migrant Mother (1936)
Dorothea Lange on Pexels
This portrait of a worried mother holding her children during the Great Depression became a face for a generation’s struggle. Taken by Dorothea Lange, it showed the pain and strength of those hit hardest by economic collapse. It helped push government aid to families in need.