How does the Kent State Shootings1970 compare to and contrast to the Boston Massacre, 1770

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Massacre

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html

The Kent State Shootings of 1970 and the Boston Massacre of 1770 were two significant incidents of violence in American history. While they share some similarities, they also have notable differences.

First, let's discuss the similarities between the incidents. Both events involved the use of firearms and led to the deaths of several individuals. In both cases, tensions were high between the protesters and the armed forces present. Additionally, both incidents contributed to a broader sense of social and political unrest during their respective time periods.

Now, let's examine the contrasting aspects between the two incidents. The Boston Massacre occurred during colonial times when the American colonies were under British rule. The incident took place in Boston, Massachusetts, where British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. This event played a significant role in fueling anti-British sentiment and ultimately contributed to the American Revolutionary War.

On the other hand, the Kent State Shootings took place in 1970 during the Vietnam War era. It occurred at Kent State University in Ohio, where National Guard troops fired at a group of students protesting against the war. Four students were killed, and nine others were injured. This incident intensified opposition to the Vietnam War, leading to widespread protests across the country.

In terms of historical context and causes, the Boston Massacre was rooted in the growing tensions between the British troops stationed in the American colonies and the colonists' desire for independence. The Kent State Shootings, however, were a result of the widespread public discontent with the Vietnam War, with the shootings acting as a catalyst for further anti-war activism.

In summary, the Kent State Shootings and the Boston Massacre were two distinct incidents that took place in different historical periods and under different circumstances. While they both involved the use of firearms and resulted in deaths, they differed in their causes, implications, and historical contexts.