The Kent State University Protests: A Lesson in History and Activism

The Kent State University Protests: A Lesson in History and Activism

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the significance of the Kent State University protests and their impact on activism in the United States.

What do you already know about the Kent State University protests?

Background of Kent State University

Kent State University is located in Ohio and was a site of anti-war protests during the Vietnam War.

Causes of the Protests

The protests were in response to the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia and the National Guard presence on campus.

May 4, 1970: The Tragic Event

On this day, the National Guard shot and killed four students and injured nine others during a protest at the university.

Aftermath and Impact

The Kent State shootings led to widespread protests and became a symbol of the anti-war movement.

Legal Repercussions

The legal aftermath resulted in trials for the National Guard members involved, but no one was found guilty.

Understanding the Significance

The Kent State University protests represent a pivotal moment in the history of student activism and the anti-war movement.

Questions to Test Understanding

1. What were the causes of the Kent State University protests? 2. What was the outcome of the legal proceedings following the shootings?

Practice Exam Question

Discuss the impact of the Kent State University protests on the anti-war movement and activism in the United States.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.