Tiananmen Square Protests by Tobi Rea

Background to the Unrest

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 19:40:49 UTC

The protests at Tiananmen Square were a long time coming. The Chinese government has been running as a communist for decades. With the reformations, the government instituted limits on capitalist influence, but despite this, it still suffers from economic struggles. Because of this, students who argue that they had to receive a proper education are protesting the government.

May 13th 1989 - Martial Law Declared

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 19:43:58 UTC

Multiple strikes and protests were held, and the protests grew across China. This disturbed the government, especially because the Prime Minister of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, was meant to visit on May 15th. In an attempt to curb the protesters' attempts, on May 20, 250,000 troops were sent to Beijing.

Nearing the end of May, millions of protesters congregated in Tiananmen Square. The protests were transmitted across the world.

June 4th 1989 - Tiananmen Square Massacre

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 19:54:27 UTC

After the military was unable to put a damper on the protests, the government increased its presence and aggression. Early in the morning on June 4th, the military attacked protesters, opening fire into the crowds. The protesters largely tried to flee, but some fought back. This caused around 10,000 arrests and thousands of injuries, and deaths.

June 5th 1989 - Tiananmen Square Tank Man

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 20:03:16 UTC

An unidentified man stood alone in front of a parade of Chinese tanks. This continues to symbolise the defiance of the students and protesters to much of the world. He is now known as the “Tiananmen Square Tank Man".

October 1st 1949 - National Day

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 20:03:21 UTC

Once Chairman Mao Zedong was elected post-WW2, a celebration was held to honor the event in Tiananmen Square on October 1, 1949. Millions of Chinese citizens attended. This day became known as National Day

June 4th & 5th, currently - Tiananmen Square Censorship

tobir27331 — 2025-05-19 20:12:15 UTC

Ever since the massacre, the event has continued to be retold and examined worldwide. However, the events at Tiananmen Square have been strictly censored by the Chinese internet surveillance. A survey observed that over 3,200 words that referenced the massacre had been censored.