The Kent State University Shootings, 1970
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 5.3.16
The Kent State University Shootings (1970)
Four days after Nixon announced the invasion of Cambodia, a student protest started at Kent State University.
Protests
- Four days after Nixon announced the Cambodia invasion, about 500 students at Kent State University held a protest.
- They buried a copy of the US Constitution and a veteran’s discharge papers.
- This sparked fighting between anti-war protesters and war supporters.
Demonstrations
- There were several demonstrations the next day, with over 1000 students.
- They burnt down the campus Officer Training Corps building.
- 900 National Guardsmen were sent in with tear gas and rifles.
Deaths
- By 4th May, there were 2,000 students protesting despite the demonstration being banned.
- Students threw gas canisters and bricks at the National Guard.
- The Guard fired into the crowd, killing four students (two were bystanders) and wounding nine others.
Public response
- The public was horrified.
- However, when two black students were shot at Jackson State University during an anti-war protest there was little publicity.
- Kent State caused such public outrage because the victims were white middle class students.
Test yourself on The Kent State University Shootings, 1970
Timeline of the Kent State University Protests
What were the casualties of the Kent State University shootings?
What caused the student protests at Kent State University?