Kent State

The Kent State Shooting

On the fourth of May, 1970, the world was shocked by what happened on the campus of Kent State. The unnecessary deaths of four students and the wounding and maiming of nine more was enough to shock the world. A peaceful demonstration turned into a blood bath when the National Guard opened fire on the protesters. Students came out on the Kent State campus and scores of others to protest the bombing of Cambodia, a decision of President Nixon's that appeared to expand the Vietnam War. Some rocks were thrown, some windows were broken, and an attempt was made to burn the ROTC building. Governor James Rhodes sent in the National Guard. After the shooting, the citizens of the nation took various stands on the issue. Opinions ranged from a vast overuse of force to a completely justifiable act of self-defense. Kent State became a much talked about and troublesome in American homes. Members of the 'Silent Majority' expressed horror at what happened to ...