What was Daniel Ellsberg's impact on American history?

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In summary, Daniel Ellsberg, known for his disclosure of the 'Pentagon Papers', passed away today at the age of 92 from pancreatic cancer. His final words were published by Politico 12 days ago. Ellsberg's actions are debated, with some viewing him as a betrayer of his oath while others see him as a whistleblower exposing the betrayal of the public by the Pentagon. The topic of his actions remains controversial, with some also questioning the role of Robert McNamara in the Vietnam War.
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Astronuc
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I fall into the “he betrayed his oath” camp.
 
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I fall into the "Robert McNamara: evil genius or just plain evil ?" camp.
 
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I fall into the Pentagon betrayed the public camp.
 
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I'm in the 'Who dis?' camp.
 
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Frabjous said:
he betrayed his oath
hutchphd said:
Robert McNamar... just plain evil
Both can be true.

I was astonished that he was still alive.
 
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Sorry, because there are political views on this subject, we need to close this thread. It's important history that we need to learn from, but as soon as replies diverge into partisan politics, we need to close threads here at PF.
 
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FAQ: What was Daniel Ellsberg's impact on American history?

1. Who is Daniel Ellsberg and what did he do?

Daniel Ellsberg is an American former military analyst who is best known for leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1971. The Pentagon Papers were a classified government report that revealed the United States' political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. His decision to release these documents to the press exposed the misleading information that the U.S. government had provided to the public and Congress about the Vietnam War.

2. What were the Pentagon Papers, and why were they significant?

The Pentagon Papers were a top-secret Department of Defense study that detailed the U.S. government's decision-making process regarding the Vietnam War. They were significant because they revealed that the government had misled the American public about the scale and nature of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, contributing to widespread distrust in government institutions and changing public opinion about the war.

3. How did Ellsberg's actions affect public opinion on the Vietnam War?

Ellsberg's leak of the Pentagon Papers played a crucial role in shifting public opinion against the Vietnam War. The revelations intensified anti-war sentiment and protests, as many Americans felt betrayed by their government. The publication of the papers led to greater scrutiny of U.S. foreign policy and contributed to the growing anti-establishment movement of the 1970s.

4. What legal consequences did Ellsberg face for leaking the Pentagon Papers?

Daniel Ellsberg faced serious legal consequences for his actions, including charges under the Espionage Act. However, his trial was ultimately dismissed in 1973 due to governmental misconduct, including illegal wiretapping and the break-in at the office of Ellsberg's psychiatrist. This dismissal highlighted the controversy surrounding the case and the broader implications of government secrecy.

5. What is Ellsberg's legacy in American history?

Daniel Ellsberg's legacy is that of a whistleblower who challenged government secrecy and advocated for transparency and accountability. His actions have inspired subsequent generations of whistleblowers and activists, and he is often cited as a key figure in the movement for greater government transparency. Ellsberg's work has also influenced discussions about the ethics of government secrecy and the role of the media in holding power accountable.

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