Events Before May 4, 1970
Before 1970, the Kent State Chapter of the Students for a Democratic Society was actively involved in the anti-war movement to stop the increasing bloodshed in Vietnam. This was in reaction to the news that 58,000 Americans and millions of Asians had been killed in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Within the classrooms, activism was sometimes discussed, but that really didn't promote activism among the students. Instead, other things, such as the daily news reports and discussions amongst students and their Vietnam veteran friends, provoked the students to join in the antiwar protests.
April 29, 1970
Cambodia: United States and Vietnamese forces mount a ground attack.
May 1, 1970
In response to the announced attacks on Cambodia, student protests grow. The ROTC building receives the brunt of their outrage. It is attacked, and small fires are started around the building.
Mayor of Kent, Leroy Satrom, requests that the National Guard be sent to the town and university to maintain order.
May 3, 1970
On Sunday, about 1,000 National Guardsmen are sent to occupy the campus, with few soldiers left in the town itself. At around 10:00pm the ROTC building is found fully ablaze.
Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes takes a special trip to Kent. He makes this statement concerning protestors at Kent:
"[They are t]he worst type of people we harbor in America...Worse than the communists...We're going to eradicate the problem!"
May 4, 1970 - The Day and the Deed
The Day
May 4 was another day of activism. Students were notified that the rallies were prohibited while the National Guard occupied campus. The students proceeded to protest, disregarding the order.
12:00pm - About 2,000 people gather at Kent Commons in protest of the guard occupation. A dispersal is ordered, but upon hearing this, the taunting grows worse. Students throw rocks. In response the Guardsmen launch tear gas at the students.
