The massacre that took place in Kent, OH, on May 4, 1970, shook the United States and shaped the organization of protests for decades to come. What began as a peaceful demonstration devolved into a violent confrontation between Kent State University students and the Ohio National Guard.
The already unpopular Vietnam War was expanding, and for many people this was the last straw. After four days of intense protest, vandalism, and rioting, everything finally came to a head on the Kent State campus.
At the end of the incident, four students were left dead and nine others were wounded. In spite of a perceived threat to their lives, none of the guards were seriously injured.
The impact of the shooting was felt across the United States as protests became even larger in size and reached right up to President Nixon's doorstep in Washington D.C.
No guards were ever charged with any crimes, and some believe that the victims were denied justice. However, one thing is clear - there is a lot to learn from the events that took place on that fateful day. Here are just a few facts about the Kent State shooting that might surprise you.
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