Unsettling Photos from History's Tense Moments
Our history is, sadly, full of very tense moments, where saying the wrong thing could have started another useless war. And we know this because a lot of wars started because someone said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
But even in times of peace, which aren't that many, political and diplomatic relations have been tense among some nations throughout history. So much so that it seems like that's the way they like it. From historical protests to terrible massacres, photojournalists have captured incredible moments before disaster that will chill your blood.
So, here are some unsettling photos from history's tense moments.
Police State
A Metropolitan Police officer passes detractors during a demonstration in East London in 1985. Violence ensued shortly after by white men who were working with the police.
Last Public Execution by Guillotine
It happened in 1939 in Paris, France. The French kept using the guillotine until the '70s.
Kennedy v Nixon
Jackie Kennedy watching the historic debate from behind the scenes.
Incidents of Reinosa
Guardia Civil officers face protestors and workers during the industrial crisis that resulted in mass layoffs in the area. Workers held the CEO of the company hostage the day he was getting a position in the government for being compliant and quiet during the layoffs, so tension was rising by the hour.
The other view of Tiananmen Square
Beijing residents gathered atop a public bus to get a better view of Tiananmen Square on June 2, 1989.
Young Soldier
A young Soviet Partisan in the Pskov-Novgorod zone in 1942. Looks like he's already seen some horrors.
Hasta el Tope
A tourist lies on the ground as guerrillas take the Sheraton Hotel in San Salvador during the major guerrilla offensive in the Salvadoran Civil War.
Detained
Two beaten-up suspects in police custody following a failed robbery of a restaurant in Manhattan in 1956.
Little Rock Nine
White students yell at the Little Rock Nine outside Tuskegee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, after it had been integrated in 1963. Some of them regretted this later, not because they had a change of heart, but because the picture made the front page of many local newspapers, and they started getting hate mail, among other things.
Serra Pelada
Serra Pelada workers were protesting for better conditions when more than 500 soldiers were sent to clear the area. This photo was taken moments before what's known as the St. Boniface Massacre, referring to a local celebration of the saint on that day.
Nothing to Smile About
Serial killer Edmund Kemper posing alongside two prison guards in the early 2000s.
World War II begins
And people seem more worried about smiling for the photo.
Princess Diana's Funeral
The Royal family mourning in 1997.
Checkpoint Charlie
An American and a Soviet tank facing each other in the middle of the 1961 Berlin Crisis. They were both instructed to fire if fired upon, which could have ended the Cold War right there and then.
Civil War No More
Veterans from both sides of the American Civil War shaking hands in Gettysburg in 1913. They don't look too happy.
