A picture can speak a thousand words. That's why there are actually some camera-captured images that elicit more than the usual "Oohs!" and "Aahs!". Here are some LIFE photographs that created a big impact and affected the world.

Anne Frank, 1941

More than just a classic, easy read, The Diary of Anne Frank was a testimony to the hardships that the Jews experienced during the Holocaust. Anne Frank's story showed hope and humanity in Thai face of danger. This ordinary portrait of a girl of 14 shows the brave Anne Frank staring with big eyes, wearing an enigmatic expression, looking on to a future that we now know never came for her.

More life-changing pictures after the jump!