Kent State Massacre As we go through the

Kent State Massacre • As we go through the information on the Kent State massacre information, complete the following: 1. Record 3 pieces of information that you learn from the information. 2. Record 3 pieces of information that shocks/surprises you from the presentation. 3. At the end of the presentation there will be a critical thinking activity to complete.

Kent State Massacre • Occured on May 4 th, 1970. At Kent State University in Kent, Ohio • Also known as the May 4 th Massacre and the Kent State Shootings

What was the Kent State Massacre? • The shooting of unarmed college students by the Ohio National Guard • In response to a protest against the invasion of Cambodia

Leading Up to the Shootings… • On April 30 th President Nixon announced that the military would invade Cambodia • The reaction of the students at Kent State was much like that of other students around the country • Students held a protest on May 1, 1970 at the Victory Bell on the campus of Kent State • Started of as a peaceful demonstration

Saturday, May 2 nd • 2000 students marched to the ROTC Building • Windows were broken and someone set fire to the building • Firemen were called but students attacked the firemen/hoses • Police surrounded the building and used tear gas to

Sunday, May 3 rd • Kent State was fully occupied by the Ohio National Guard • The governor of Ohio, James Rhodes, gave a speech on campus saying that they would use whatever force needed to drive the protesters out of Kent • The National Guard was told they could shoot if it was necessary

Monday, May 4 th • General Canterbury ordered the guard back because the crowd had been dispersed • As Troop G was retreating about a dozen or so soldiers turned and fired their guns into the crowd in the parking lot • 67 shots in 13 seconds; 9 injured

The Aftermath • Hundreds of universities, colleges, and high schools shut down due to a nation wide strike of students • The shootings have become a symbol of the Vietnam War protests • Crosby, Stills, Nash &Young wrote “Ohio” which was a response to the Kent State

Kent St Critical Thinking Activity • On the back of your paper from today, respond to the following prompt in at least a ½ page: • Do you think the Ohio National Guard was justified (right) in using force against the protesting students at Kent St? Why or why not? How else could have the Ohio governor handled the situation to ensure a more peaceful ending?

Kent State Memorial