Pentagon Papers
A report of the US political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967
Real World Example
The Pentagon Papers were a secret government report that revealed the U.S. government's hidden actions and decisions during the Vietnam War from 1945 to 1967. When leaked to the public in 1971, they showed that several U.S. presidents had misled the public about the war's progress and goals. This caused a big uproar, as people felt betrayed and began to trust the government less. Today, the Pentagon Papers remind us of the importance of transparency and honesty from leaders, a value that is still relevant when we expect truthful information from our government. For example, during elections, citizens might demand clear and honest communication from candidates about their plans and policies to ensure informed voting decisions.
