The Kent State Shootings, Explained | History

Summary

The Kent State shooting on May 4, 1970, occurred when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War, killing four. Triggered by Nixon's escalation of the war into Cambodia, the protests and subsequent violence divided America. The incident intensified anti-war activism and sparked a counter-movement of patriotic support for the war. Iconic imagery, such as the photo of a mourning student, symbolized the country's turmoil. This tragic event highlighted the deep political rift in the U.S. and its ongoing debate over patriotism, dissent, and the cost of war.

Takeaways

• 😀 On May 4, 1970, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on students at Kent State University, killing four students during a protest against the Vietnam War.
• 😀 The Kent State incident, which resulted in tragedy, deepened the division in America over the Vietnam War and had long-lasting effects on the political landscape.
• 😀 By 1970, U.S. involvement in Vietnam was decreasing, but President Nixon's decision to send troops into Cambodia reignited protests.
• 😀 Anti-war demonstrations escalated after Nixon's televised speech justifying the Cambodian operation, which led to increased protests across the country.
• 😀 On May 1st, two peaceful rallies were held at Kent State, followed by a violent riot downtown that led to the intervention of police and National Guard troops.
• 😀 Mayor LeRoy Satrom declared a civil emergency in Kent after the violence, and the National Guard was called in to prevent further disturbances.
• 😀 The National Guard presence at Kent State grew, and by May 3rd, the campus was occupied by 1,200 guardsmen.
• 😀 On May 4th, 3,000 students gathered in protest at Kent State, where National Guardsmen confronted them with rifles, escalating tensions.
• 😀 A controversial and tragic series of events unfolded when guardsmen fired between 61 and 67 shots, killing four students and injuring nine others, leading to widespread outrage.
• 😀 The Kent State incident sparked a massive wave of anti-war activism and public protests, including a large demonstration in front of the White House on May 9th, 1970.
• 😀 The violence at Kent State and other campuses, including Jackson State University, intensified the divide over the Vietnam War and sparked debates about patriotism, influencing the 1972 election.

Q & A

What event triggered the Kent State incident?

The Kent State incident was triggered by President Richard Nixon's authorization of a preemptive strike on Cambodia on April 28, 1970, which escalated anti-war demonstrations across the country.

How did the violence in Kent, Ohio, escalate on May 1, 1970?

On May 1, 1970, after Nixon's announcement, two peaceful rallies were held at Kent State University. However, later that night, drunken revelers in downtown Kent began pushing over garbage cans, lighting fires, and breaking store windows, prompting police to intervene and push the crowd back to the campus.

What actions did Kent's mayor take after the disturbances on May 1, 1970?

Kent Mayor LeRoy Satrom declared a civil emergency and called in the Ohio National Guard, fearing that further violence would erupt.

What occurred on May 3, 1970, when the National Guard was deployed to Kent State?

On May 3, 1970, 1,200 National Guardsmen occupied the Kent State campus. Governor James Rhodes even flew in by helicopter, promising to use law enforcement against the student protesters. Tensions escalated as students were met with tear gas and bayonets when they blocked traffic in protest.

What was the significance of the leaflets distributed by the governor on May 4, 1970?

On May 4, 1970, the governor of Ohio banned demonstrations by distributing 12,000 leaflets prohibiting protests at Kent State. However, many students either ignored the ban or were unaware of it.

How did the confrontation between students and National Guardsmen on May 4, 1970, unfold?

On May 4, 1970, nearly 3,000 students gathered at Kent State, and 100 National Guardsmen confronted them with rifles. After tear gas and bayonets were used to disperse the crowd, the guardsmen retreated up a hill and began firing between 61 and 67 shots at the students, killing four and injuring nine others.

Who were the victims of the Kent State shooting?

The victims of the Kent State shooting were Jeffrey Glenn Miller, Allison B. Krause, William Knox Schroeder, and Sandra Lee Scheuer, all of whom were between 19 and 20 years old and were students in good standing.

What was the controversy surrounding the National Guard's actions during the Kent State shooting?

The National Guard claimed they fired after being shot at by a sniper, but eyewitnesses denied hearing any gunshots before the guardsmen opened fire, leading to a cloud of confusion and controversy about the justification for the shooting.

How did the Kent State incident affect anti-war sentiment in America?

The Kent State incident intensified anti-war activism, with protests erupting at college campuses across the country. A large demonstration took place in front of the White House on May 9, 1970, and public outcry against the Vietnam War reached new heights.

What happened shortly after the Kent State shooting at Jackson State University?

Less than a week after the Kent State shooting, a similar incident occurred at Jackson State University in Mississippi, where police opened fire on students, killing two and injuring twelve.

How did the Kent State incident contribute to the political climate in America?

The Kent State incident, along with the protests it sparked, contributed to a rise in militant activism and anti-war sentiment. It also provoked a counter-movement among conservatives, known as the 'silent majority,' which played a significant role in securing Richard Nixon's re-election in 1972.