Historical Events tagged with "napalm"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Phan Thị Kim Phúc and Napalm's Impact

June 8th, 1972 52 years ago

Phan Thị Kim Phúc, a nine-year-old girl, suffered severe burns from a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Captured in an iconic photograph by Associated Press photographer Nick Ut, the image depicts Kim Phúc running naked along a road, her skin burned and in agony. This moment transpired as Vietnamese forces, including the South Vietnamese government and the U.S. military, targeted a village in an effort to eliminate Viet Cong forces. The dramatic visual representation highlighted the devastating effects of the war on innocent civilians.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Norman Morrison Protests Vietnam War with Self-Immolation

November 2nd, 1965 59 years ago

Norman Morrison, a 31-year-old Quaker, self-immolated in front of the Pentagon to protest the use of napalm during the Vietnam War. This shocking act took place fervently near the entrance to a major military compound, symbolizing the intense opposition to the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Morrison aimed to highlight the horrendous impact of the war on civilian populations, believing his drastic measure would draw attention to the suffering caused by napalm. His sacrifice resonated with many disenchanted by the ongoing conflict, sparking discussions on the ethics of war and pacifism.

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