A set of top-secret Department of Defense documents, these detailed the history of the United States’ involvement in Vietnam from World War II to 1967. Leaked to the press in 1971, their publication revealed that the Johnson Administration had systematically lied, not only to the public but also to Congress, regarding the scope of U.S. military actions in Southeast Asia. Examples of these discrepancies included secret bombings of Cambodia and Laos, as well as planned offensive actions that were presented as defensive measures.
Their significance lies in fueling public distrust of the government and further galvanizing the anti-war movement. The revelations exposed a pattern of deception and misrepresentation, undermining the credibility of political leaders and intensifying the debate over the Vietnam War. This contributed to a growing sense of cynicism and a demand for greater transparency in government policy, especially regarding foreign affairs.
