Brian VanDeMark’s Kent State: An American Tragedy is a meticulously researched and gripping account of one of the darkest moments in American history. On May 4, 1970, at Kent State University in Ohio, a clash between Vietnam War protestors and the Ohio National Guard resulted in the deaths of four students and the wounding of nine others. VanDeMark’s comprehensive narrative delves into the causes and lasting consequences of this tragic event, shedding light on the cultural and political divisions that tore the nation apart during the turbulent 1960s.
Kent State chronicles the events leading up to the fateful day, beginning with the growing rift between the left and right on college campuses across America. As the Vietnam War raged on, many students opposed the conflict, seeing it as unnecessary and unjust. Tensions escalated as poor and working-class youth were drafted and sent to Vietnam, while their wealthier counterparts often avoided service. Some students developed a deep hatred for the military, the police, and everything associated with authority, while others were determined to uphold law and order at any cost.
Against this backdrop, VanDeMark meticulously reconstructs the days surrounding the Kent State shootings. On May 4th, antiwar protesters wearing bell-bottom jeans and long hair hurled taunts and rocks at National Guardsmen sporting gas masks and rifles. At half past noon, violence erupted as guardsmen—many of whom had joined the Guard to escape the draft—opened fire on the students. The author draws on crucial new research and interviews, including the perspective of guardsmen who were present, to provide a comprehensive account of the tragedy.
Kent State builds suspense through its meticulous reconstruction of the events leading up to and during the shootings. VanDeMark’s vivid prose and attention to detail create a sense of urgency and tension as readers follow the unfolding events. The author also explores the broader themes of the Vietnam War’s impact on American society, the growing divide between the left and right, and the role of the government in maintaining order in the face of civil unrest.
Kent State: An American Tragedy is a powerful and important work of history that sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in American history. VanDeMark’s comprehensive research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural and political upheaval of the 1960s and its lasting impact on the nation. By humanizing the victims and exploring the perspectives of all those involved, the author provides a nuanced and thought-provoking account of the Kent State shootings and their enduring legacy.
Kent State: An American Tragedy by Brian VanDeMark | Goodreads
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