Assignment 4- John Felty

This photograph taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima depicts American soldiers raising the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi. It later went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1945. It is the only photo to win the prize in the same year it was taken. The reason it became so popular (enough to win a Pulitzer prize) was because of the impact it had on American society. World War II united the U.S. in many ways, as it mobilized the entire nation in order to support the war effort. This photo was just more fuel to that nationalistic fire. Once it began to be published everywhere, it brought a sense of nationalism and unity to the American people. It also brought a feeling of accomplishment, seeing American soldiers gaining success in a difficult war with Japan. This iconic photo brought hope, accomplishment, and excitement to the American people, inspiring them to continue supporting the war effort.