Mischke 1One of the most violent protests of the Vietnam War took place in May 1970 at Kent State University in Ohio . Protests were common throughout America during the war, but this one was by far the most violent. On May 4, 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of protesters at Kent State University, killing four and injuring nine Kent State students. The event sparked a nationwide student strike that caused the closure of many colleges and universities. This deeply divided the country politically and caused ordinary citizens to become aware of the protests taking place on college campuses across the country. The arrival of the Ohio National Guard on the campus of Kent State University was linked to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. Richard Nixon was elected president of the United States in 1968, in part on his promise to end the war. In late April 1970, the United States invaded Cambodia and expanded the Vietnam War. Demonstrations took place the next day, Friday May 1, on American university campuses where anti-war views were numerous. At Kent State University, many speeches against the war and the Nixon administration were given. Mayor Satrom was concerned that local forces would be insufficient to deal with the number of demonstrators, and he called the governor's office to make a formal request for assistance from the Ohio National Guard for Monday's demonstration . At noon on Monday, May 4, General Canterbury of the National Guard made the decision to order the demonstrators to withdraw. A Kent State Police officer standing next to the guard made an announcement over a bullhorn. When the protesters didn't leave, they drove through the Commons and started saying all the time......in the middle of the paper......that this changed the way protests were handled and many of the same laws apply to protests today. There have been other protests that have gotten out of control, but none compare to what happened at Kent State. New laws requiring permits and specific locations where protests can take place came into effect after this event. Today, society still protests against many issues, the war in Iraq, the recession and many other political ideas. This event showed me that there are many events in history that can change a person's mind about the world. This event made me better understand why people take sides in different ways. The senseless killing of these students reminds everyone that regardless of your political opinion, you should have the right to peacefully protest, as stipulated in the constitution. Everyone has the same rights and responsibilities as American citizens.