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Kent State and the End of American Innocence: The Tragedy That Rocked a Nation

Rex Hayes

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Published in 67 Shots: Kent State And The End Of American Innocence

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On May 4, 1970, the National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed students at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine. This tragic event marked a turning point in American history, shattering the illusion of innocence and sparking a wave of anti-war protests across the country.

In his powerful and moving book, Kent State and the End of American Innocence, author James A. Michener provides a gripping account of the events leading up to the shootings, the tragedy itself, and the aftermath that continues to resonate today.

67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence

by Howard Means

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19169 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	271 pages

The Social and Political Climate

The Vietnam War had been raging for years, and anti-war sentiment was growing stronger by the day. Students across the country were organizing protests and demanding an end to the war. On May 4, 1970, a group of students at Kent State University gathered on campus to protest the invasion of Cambodia by American troops.

The protest was largely peaceful, but a small group of students began throwing rocks and bottles at the National Guard troops who had been called in to quell the disturbance. The Guardsmen responded with tear gas and eventually opened fire on the students.

The Tragedy

The shootings at Kent State University were a watershed moment in American history. They shattered the illusion of innocence that had prevailed during the 1960s and sparked a wave of anti-war protests across the country.

The four students who were killed were:

Jeffrey Miller, 20
Allison Krause, 19
William Schroeder, 19
Sandra Scheuer, 20

Nine other students were wounded, some of them seriously.

The Aftermath

The shootings at Kent State University had a profound impact on American society. They led to a loss of faith in the government and a growing sense of disillusionment among young people.

In the years that followed, there were numerous investigations into the shootings. A grand jury indicted eight Guardsmen, but they were later acquitted. A civil lawsuit filed by the families of the victims was eventually settled out of court.

The legacy of Kent State continues to resonate today. It is a reminder of the dangers of political violence and the importance of protecting our civil liberties.

Kent State and the End of American Innocence is a powerful and moving account of a tragic event that changed the course of American history. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Vietnam War era and its lasting impact on American society.

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67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence

by Howard Means

4.8 out of 5