LIFE Magazine's Most Iconic Photographs of the 20th Century (12 Photos)

The past century was perhaps the most tragic, memorable, and defining era in human history. Marked by devastating wars, groundbreaking scientific achievements, pivotal historical shifts, and larger-than-life figures, the 20th century was far too vast to capture in words alone. Thankfully, the rise of photography ensured that future generations would be able to look back and truly witness this complex and transformative age.





Step back in time as the LIFE magazine archive revisits some of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century.



The Walk to Paradise Garden, 1946, W. Eugene Smith





Coney Island, view from the Parachute Jump, 1951, Margaret Bourke-White



V-J Day in Times Square, New York, 1945, Alfred Eisenstaedt



Audience watching the 3D premiere of Bwana Devil at the Paramount Theatre, 1952, J.R. Eyerman



Children at a puppet show in the Tuileries Garden, Paris, France, 1963, Alfred Eisenstaedt



Route 66, Arizona, 1947, Andreas Feininger



Willa Mae Ricker and Leon James demonstrating the Lindy Hop, New York, 1943, Gjon Mili



A DC-4 airliner over Manhattan, 1939, Margaret Bourke-White



Clock at Pennsylvania Station, New York, 1943, Alfred Eisenstaedt



The drum major at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1951, Alfred Eisenstaedt



The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France, 1948, Dmitri Kessel



American baseball player Mickey Mantle, New York, 1965, John Dominis