Kent State and the End of American Innocence

On May 4, 1970, at midday, several thousand students and the Ohio National Guard faced off at opposite ends of the grassy campus Commons at Kent State University, following three days of protests. At noon, the Guard moved out, and twenty-four minutes later, Guardsmen launched a 13-second, 67-shot barrage that left four students dead and nine wounded, one paralyzed for life. However, the story does not end there, as a horror of far greater proportions was narrowly averted minutes later when the Guard and students reassembled on the Commons.

The Kent State shootings were both unavoidable and preventable. They were unavoidable in the sense that all the discordant forces of a turbulent decade flowed together on May 4, 1970, on one Ohio campus. Yet, they were preventable in that every party to the tragedy made the wrong choices at the wrong time in the wrong place.

Using the university's recently available oral-history collection supplemented by extensive new interviewing, Means tells the story of this iconic American moment through the eyes and memories of those who were there. He skillfully situates the event in the context of a tumultuous era, providing a comprehensive and insightful account of the tragedy.

The narrative unfolds in a compelling manner, drawing the reader into the heart of the conflict and the complex web of decisions and actions that led to the tragic outcome. Means' meticulous research and attention to detail ensure that the story is told with a high degree of accuracy and nuance, offering a balanced and multifaceted perspective on the events of that fateful day.

Through the personal accounts and recollections of the participants, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the emotions, motivations, and perspectives that shaped the events at Kent State. The author's skillful weaving of these individual narratives into a cohesive and engaging whole creates a powerful and poignant portrayal of this pivotal moment in American history.

Ultimately, the Kent State shootings serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrest, the fragility of civil society, and the importance of exercising restraint and wisdom in the face of conflict. Means' work not only preserves the memory of this tragic event but also offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of social and political upheaval.

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