RT America -- August 19, 2014

For the eighth night, police and residents of Ferguson, MO clashed on Monday over the shooting of Michael Brown. The National Guard joined local law enforcement on the streets, firing tear gas at both peaceful and rabble-rousing protesters. Molotov cocktails and bottles were reportedly thrown at police, who responded by attempting to clear everyone from the streets. RT’s Anastasia Churkina was on the ground in the midst of the clashes and recounts the night’s events.

From natural disasters to civil unrest, the National Guard plays many roles and has a contradictory history. At times preventing the integration of schools while at other times protecting African-American protesters, deployment of the military force is a often a sign of something gone wrong. RT’s Manila Chan takes a look at the history and roles of the National Guard.