Pentagon Papers
The New York Times begins publishing material from the Pentagon Papers leaked by Ellsberg, intensifying Nixon administration concern about unauthorized disclosures.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1971 in United States of America — Page 4
Explore 452 historical events and records for United States of America in 1971.
Historical records for United States of America in 1971
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June
Pentagon Papers
The New York Times began publishing excerpts on June 13, 1971; the first article in the series was titled "Vietnam Archive: Pentagon Study Traces Three Decades of Growing US Involvement". The study was dubbed The Pentagon Papers during the resulting media publicity. Street protests, political controversy, and lawsuits followed
Pentagon Papers
Ellsberg releases the documents to New York Times correspondent Neil Sheehan & On Sunday, June 13, 1971, the Times publishes the first of nine excerpts and commentaries on the 7,000 page collection.
Pentagon Papers
For 15 days, the Times was prevented from publishing its articles by court order requested by the Nixon administration, meanwhile, Ellsberg leaks the documents to The Washington Post and 17 other newspapers.
Pentagon Papers
The Washington Post begins publishing the Pentagon Papers - the Defense Department's secret history of the Vietnam War. The Washington Post will begin publishing the papers later in the week
Pentagon Papers Leak
Leaked Pentagon Papers begin appearing in the New York Times
Pentagon Papers Publication
The New York Times begins publishing the Pentagon Papers
Pentagon Papers Publication Decision
Sulzberger oversees the newspaper as the New York Times decides to publish material from the classified Pentagon Papers.
Scandal
An account of the war commissioned by McNamara iitains leaked to the New York Times
Scandal
The New York Times publishes security documents leaked to the press by Daniel Ellsberg
Security Documents Leaked
The New York Times publishes security documents leaked to the press by Daniel Ellsberg
Vietnam Archive First Installment
The New York Times begins publishing its Pentagon Papers series based on material obtained by Sheehan.
Government Demand to Halt Publication
Sulzberger's newspaper receives the Nixon administration demand that further publication of the Pentagon Papers stop.
New York Times Halt Demand
Mitchell demands that the New York Times stop publishing Pentagon Papers material and return the classified documents.
Pentagon Papers
After failing to persuade the Times to voluntarily cease publication on June 14, Attorney General John N. Mitchellll and Nixon obtained a federal court injunction forcing the Times to cease publication after three articles.
Pentagon Papers
However, Kissinger convinced the president that not opposing the publication set a negative precedent for future secrets.
Pentagon Papers
John Mitchellll, Nixon's Attorney General, almost immediately issued a telegram to the Times ordering that it halt publication, The Times refuses, and the Government takes out a suit against it.
Pentagon Papers
President Nixon's first reaction to the publication was that, since the study embarrassed the Johnson and Kennedy administrations rather than his, he should do nothing.
Pentagon Papers
The administration argued Ellsberg and Russo were guilty of a felony under the Espionage Act of 1917, because they had no authority to disclose classified documents.
Pentagon Papers
Backs legal action to stop further New York Times publication of the Pentagon Papers after Attorney General John Mitchell demands that the newspaper halt.
Pentagon Papers Cabinet Discussion
Nixon meets senior administration officials as the government responds to publication of the Pentagon Papers.
FBI Pentagon Papers Investigation Request
Mitchell asks the FBI to investigate the unauthorized disclosure of classified Pentagon Papers material.
New York Times Temporary Restraining Order
Gurfein issues a temporary restraining order stopping further New York Times publication while the Pentagon Papers case is heard.
Pentagon Papers Response
Seeks legal action to stop publication of the Pentagon Papers
Pentagon Papers Response
Seeks to halt publication of the Pentagon Papers
Alaskan Pipeline
Discusses the Alaskan pipeline as part of a broader review of domestic issues and White House policy coordination.
Florida Barge Canal
Participates in a meeting with Nixon covering domestic policy questions including the Florida barge canal and coordination through Ehrlichman's staff.
Pentagon Papers Administration Response
Discusses with Nixon the administration response to publication of the Pentagon Papers and the division of responsibilities among senior White House staff.
Pentagon Papers Justice Department Role
Discusses the Justice Department's part in the administration response to the Pentagon Papers and the need for coordinated White House leadership.
Pentagon Papers Press Strategy
Reviews press handling of the Pentagon Papers, including the administration's presentation of Vietnam, domestic issues and staff responsibilities.
Pentagon Papers Staff Assignments
Reviews proposed staff roles for handling the Pentagon Papers controversy, including responsibilities associated with Ehrlichman, Colson, Moore, Price, Buchanan, Scali, Krogh and Cole.
Presidential Staff Access
Discusses Nixon's schedule and access arrangements involving Shultz, Ehrlichman and Kissinger, including preparation for presidential meetings.
Public Issue Priorities
Reviews the public importance of Vietnam, the economy and drugs, including polling and the use of presidential press conferences to address domestic issues.
Congressional Pentagon Papers Statements
Reviews the possible use of congressional statements to support the administration's case concerning publication of classified documents.
Declassification Strategy
Discusses declassification of World War II and Korean War material as part of the broader response to the Pentagon Papers dispute.
Georgetown Pentagon Papers Review
Bradlee gathers reporters at his Georgetown home to review Pentagon Papers material and prepare stories for publication.
Media Contact Strategy
Reviews contacts with reporters and possible press approaches as the White House develops its response to the Pentagon Papers.
New York Times Response
Participates in discussion of how the administration should respond publicly to the New York Times over publication of the Pentagon Papers.
Pentagon Papers Copy Reaches Washington Post
Bradlee receives access to a copy of the Pentagon Papers as the Washington Post prepares its own reporting.
Pentagon Papers Counterstrategy
Meets with Nixon and Ziegler as the White House considers its political and public response to publication of the Pentagon Papers.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.