Amid rising tensions surrounding the Vietnam War, Kent State University became the site of a significant protest against the Cambodian Campaign launched by the United States and South Vietnam in 1970. In response to previous disturbances in the city of Kent, the Ohio National Guard was deployed to the campus to maintain order. Students gathered peacefully to voice their opposition to the war and the expansion of U.S. military operations into Cambodia. On May 4, a protest escalated when Guardsmen confronted the demonstrators, leading to chaos and panic among the crowd.

As tensions flared, the situation deteriorated, culminating in the Guardsmen opening fire on the protesting students. This shocking event resulted in the deaths of four unarmed students—Jeffrey Miller, Allison Krause, Sandra Scheuer, and William Knox—while nine others were wounded. The images of this confrontation shocked the nation and made headlines worldwide, as many viewed the Guard's actions as an excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

The Kent State shootings resonated deeply with the American public, igniting widespread protests on college campuses and rallying further anti-war sentiments. This incident not only galvanized anti-Vietnam War activists but also raised important questions about civil liberties, the right to protest, and government accountability during a period marked by social upheaval. The event left a lasting legacy, marking a turning point in public perception of the Vietnam War and the role of military force in American society.