Study Source A in the Sources Booklet - AQA - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1

Source A illustrates criticism of the events at Kent State University through its portrayal of the soldier as someone who is ashamed of the actions taken during the incident. The cartoon captures the essence of the anti-war sentiment of the time, particularly in the context of the Vietnam War protests that escalated in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Specifically, the source depicts the soldier as recognizing the moral implications of his role. For instance, expressions of disdain for the government's military actions and an acknowledgment of the protestors' message signify the critique of not only the violence enacted but also the leadership's response. This aligns with the prevailing attitudes of many Americans during this era, who felt a strong disillusionment regarding the country's involvement in Vietnam.

Furthermore, the guard's actions, as depicted in the cartoon, can be understood in a broader historical context: the events of May 4, 1970, where national guardsmen opened fire on unarmed students at Kent State, resulted in four deaths and symbolized a turning point in public opinion against the Vietnam War. The emotional resonance in Source A, therefore, serves to highlight the deep divisions in American society at the time over the issue of the military and civil liberties.