Death at Kent State: How a Photograph Brought the Vietnam War Home to America

John Filo’s powerful image shows students on the campus of Kent State, one fatally shot, another in the extremity of grief, while others look on in disbelief. This image became a rallying cry for opposition to the Vietnam War, especially for college students throughout the country.

This book analyzes the photo and its impact in a measured, thoughtful way. Filled with photographs that capture the era and enlighten the text, this book is an accessible introduction to the Vietnam Era suitable for high school students. Surprisingly, although the image itself quickly became inextricably linked to war protests, the shooting was the culmination of a series of events that began a few days earlier. Readers will learn about the political climate of the country, student attitudes on campus, and the broader effect of the photo. The author is careful to present the views of those both supporting and opposing the war and the varied reactions to the shooting without either vilifying or commending the actors; readers are invited to draw their own conclusions. This book is an excellent resource for those looking for more depth about the protests against the Vietnam War.