Historical Impact of May 4, 1970

The events of nearly 50 years ago on May 4, 1970 have left a lasting impact not only on the campus of the Kent State University but also on the history of our nation and the world.

Perhaps the most significant and lasting impact was the loss of 4 students,  Jeff Miller, Allison Krause, Bill Schroeder, and Sandra Scheuer and the wounding of nine others. The events of May 4, 1970, have made a lasting impact on American history and changed our society in many ways:

• Spurred the largest national student strike in U.S. history;
• Changed Americans’ consciousness about the Vietnam War;
• Encouraged Congress to lower the voting age from 21 to 18;
• Pressured Congress to begin withdrawing funding for the Vietnam War;
• Set a precedent in the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing public officials acting in the capacity of their office to be brought to trial for their actions;
• Resulted in some of the most iconic images in American history; and
• Demonstrated that young people can make a difference.
• Remind us of the importance of protecting the rights of the First Amendment;
• Show us the need to communicate effectively and respect differences;