What was a consequence of the events at Kent State regarding public perception?

The events at Kent State University in May 1970, when Ohio National Guardsmen shot and killed four students during a protest against the Vietnam War, had a profound impact on public perception and reactions to the war. The horrifying nature of the incident, captured in photographs and news coverage, spurred a significant increase in youth activism across the United States. Many young people who may have been previously indifferent or neutral about the war became galvanized to protest against U.S. involvement in Vietnam, leading to a broader movement that saw a rise in demonstrations, activism, and political engagement among students and young citizens.

This increased activism resulted from the shock and outrage felt by many Americans, particularly students, who identified with the victims of the shooting. It served to highlight the stark realities of the war and the government's often heavy-handed response to dissent. As a consequence, more young people joined rallies and anti-war events, effectively turning Kent State into a rallying point for the anti-war movement rather than diminishing support for it. The incident solidified a collective sense of urgency and a desire among the youth to effect change, making it a pivotal moment in the history of the anti-Vietnam War movement.