Tiananmen Sqaure Massacre
The Tiananmen Square Massacre was the massacre of Chinese demonstrators who wanted greater political freedom. This massacre took place in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China in May 1989. After seeing a sweeping democratic movement across Eastern Europe, Chinese citizens demanded democracy and more freedom. Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the city square, where they raised banners calling for democracy. They also brought in a huge plaster statue called the Goddesss of Democracy and Freedom. When the demonstrators refused to disperse, the government sent in troops and tanks, killing and wounding thousands. Others were arrested and tortured. Some were put to death. This massacre showed that China's communist leaders were serious about maintaining control. Order was more important than political freedom to them.
The link below will take you to a timeline of this highly controversial time in history. PBS.org: The Memory of Tiananmen 1989 Tiananmen Square, The Declassified History 1989 This website will take you to a giant photo gallery of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, with each picture having greatly detailed captions. This link gives a virtual tour of Tiananmen Square, complete with maps and various performances that can The China Guide: Tiananmen Square Below is news coverage of Tiananmen Square as it actually occurred. |
One of the more famous videos about Tiananmen Square, this video shows a courageous protester stand in front of incoming tanks. There is a message of determination behind this video. There is also dramatic music.
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