Historical story

What happened at Kent State University in May of 1970?

In May of 1970, a tragic incident took place at Kent State University in Ohio, United States. It involved a confrontation between anti-war protesters and members of the Ohio National Guard, resulting in the deaths of four students. Here's a summary of what happened:

Background:

The Vietnam War was ongoing, and there was widespread opposition to it among the American public, particularly university students. Kent State was a center for anti-war activism, with students organizing demonstrations and protests.

May 4, 1970:

A series of protests began on campus after President Richard Nixon announced the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia. Demonstrators gathered, expressing their opposition to the war and calling for an end to U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.

Escalation of Tension:

Tensions escalated over the next few days, as protesters continued their demonstrations and began to engage in acts of civil disobedience, including blocking traffic and burning buildings. The Ohio National Guard was called in to restore order.

May 4 Shooting:

On the evening of May 4, a confrontation occurred between protesters and members of the National Guard. The guardsmen initially fired tear gas and warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd, but the situation escalated rapidly. Ultimately, the guardsmen fired live ammunition towards the crowd, resulting in the death of four students.

Names of the Victims:

The four students who lost their lives were Jeffrey Glenn Miller, Allison Krause, William Knox Schroeder, and Sandra Lee Scheuer. They were all unarmed and had been participating in the peaceful protests.

Aftermath:

The Kent State shootings sparked outrage across the country, leading to widespread student and public demonstrations against the Vietnam War. The incident prompted investigations and public inquiries into the actions of the Ohio National Guard and the university's handling of the protests.

The event remains a significant moment in American history, highlighting the social and political tensions of the Vietnam War era and serving as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the need for peaceful resolution in moments of conflict.