12 Historic Photos You Absolutely Need To See

After publishing my previous article, "10 Heartbreaking Tales of Animal Cruelty," I received various inquiries from sympathetic animal organizations, clergymen, and even a complimentary message from a government minister in India. However, I also received a significant amount of hate mail from individuals who expressed their dislike for animals. Despite engaging in intense email debates, I decided to delve into the annals of history to compile a list of 12 historic photos that I believe our beloved fans should see.

Here are the photos:

12. The Human Test Dummy

This photo captures a moment of great risk and bravery. The man depicted, Murphy, worked as a bulletproof salesman and frequently put himself in dangerous situations to prove the effectiveness of his products. In this particular photo, taken at the perfect moment, he is seen surviving a potentially deadly hit. Thankfully, he emerged unharmed from this test.

11. The Selknam Couple on Transit

This historic photo portrays a Selknam native couple during their journey to Europe. These isolated Patagonian Indians were hunted down, arrested, and subjected to deplorable conditions before being exhibited across Europe. Due to the introduction of foreign diseases and the loss of their natural habitat, the Selknam population dwindled rapidly. The last known full-blooded Selknam, Angela Loij, passed away in May 1974.

10. King Tut Unbroken Tomb Seal

Taken by Harry Burton, this remarkable photo showcases the seal of King Tut's tomb shortly after its discovery by archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. Unlike the outer chambers, which had been looted, this inner chamber remained undisturbed. The intact seal, dating back 32 centuries, provides a glimpse into the ancient world.

9. The London Milkman

Photographer Fred Morley captured this iconic image in Britain during World War II. It depicts a milkman traversing through bombed-out ruins caused by German bombers to deliver milk. Despite the devastation in the background, the photo symbolizes the resilience of everyday life amidst the constant threat of bombardment. The photo was staged by a news crew to boost morale and provide a different perspective on the war.

8. The Living Uncle Sam

Arthur Mole and John D. Thomas, renowned artists, created stunning living portraits during a time of post-World War I recovery. In an effort to boost national pride, they organized a portrait titled "The Living Uncle Sam." The photograph was taken at Camp Lee, Virginia, and involved the coordination of 19,000 gallant soldiers. From ground level, the lines seemed insignificant, but from an aerial perspective, the formation formed an impressive portrait of Uncle Sam.

7. The Last Known Photo of the German Fuhrer

In this eerie photo, Adolf Hitler and an unidentified general are seen surveying bomb damage inflicted by Allied forces during the final hours of World War II. With the Allies advancing rapidly and Germany on the brink of defeat, Hitler chose suicide over capture. Two days after this photo was taken, he bit into a cyanide capsule and shot himself alongside his wife. This image serves as a haunting reminder of the war's conclusion.

6. The Weeping German Soldier

This photograph captures the sorrow and grief experienced by a German POW soldier upon discovering his devastated home and the silent neighborhood after an Allied bombardment. Even soldiers with nerves of steel can succumb to the ravages of war, as depicted in this poignant image taken in Frankfurt, Germany. Whether he was reunited with his missing family remains unknown.

5. The Defiant Landmesser

In this powerful photograph, August Landmesser, a shipyard worker, refuses to perform the Nazi "Sieg Heil" salute during the launch of a naval vessel. Landmesser's act of defiance, despite the risks it posed to his life, stemmed from his frustrations and conflicts with the Hitler regime due to his marriage to a Jewish woman, Irma Eckler. This photo has become synonymous with acts of resistance against the Nazis.

4. The Japanese Teen Saluting His Dead Brother

This chilling photograph captures a boy standing at attention while bringing his deceased brother to a cremation pyre in Nagasaki. Taken by American photographer Joe O'Donnell, the image documents the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the devastating impact on the Japanese people.

3. Holocaust Survivor and the Creepy Photo of Her Home

Taken by photographer David Seymour, this haunting photo depicts the aftermath of the concentration camps and the profound psychological scars left on the few fortunate survivors. The image, taken at a mentally disturbed children's home, shows six-year-old Tereszka drawing her concept of "home" when prompted by her tutor.

2. The Beached German Submarine

This photo captures the scene of a German submarine, U-118, which washed ashore on Hastings beach in 1919. The submarine had been surrendered to France as part of the disarmament agreement following Germany's defeat in World War I. However, as the submarine was being towed through the English Channel, it was caught in a storm, causing the tow chain to snap and the submarine to run aground. The town turned the submarine into a popular attraction, but two men who guided visitors around fell ill and died. After unsuccessful attempts to refloat the submarine, it was dismantled on-site.

1. The Fleeing Bangladesh Couple

This iconic photograph highlights the plight of refugees during the Bangladesh Liberation War. It depicts an emaciated man carrying his cholera-stricken wife as they navigate their way to safety. Their heroic journey of love and survival was captured by photographer Mark Edwards in Calcutta.

Author: Moses, a student at GIT, enjoys writing for Wonderslist and engaging in activities such as driving and pursuing romantic interests, though success in the latter is limited. Feel free to show your appreciation by sending a tip here!