The Pentagon Papers: Explained

In 1971, the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret report on the Vietnam War, were leaked by Daniel Ellsberg to the New York Times. The report revealed government deception about the war, including unreported military operations and lack of a clear exit strategy. The leak led to a Supreme Court case affirming press freedom, eroded public trust in the government, and paved the way for future whistleblowers. The full report was declassified in 2011.

What was the primary reason for commissioning the Pentagon Papers in 1967?

• To justify the US's involvement in the Vietnam War

• To negotiate peace with North Vietnam

• To understand why the US was stuck in the Vietnam conflict

• To plan a military strategy for the Vietnam War

Who leaked the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times?

• Henry Kissinger

• Richard Nixon

• Daniel Ellsberg

• Robert S. McNamara

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the publication of the Pentagon Papers?

• The press had the right to publish the papers

• The New York Times was fined for publishing

• The papers were to remain classified

• The government could censor the press

What was one significant outcome of the Pentagon Papers' publication?

• Immediate end to the Vietnam War

• Erosion of public support for the Vietnam War

• Strengthened trust in the government

• Increased support for the Vietnam War

When was the full report of the Pentagon Papers finally declassified?

• 1985

• 2011

• 1971

• 1995