Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989)

Summary

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 were a significant moment in Chinese history, where students and workers rallied for political and economic reforms. Triggered by the death of a popular reformist leader, the protests demanded an end to corruption and greater freedoms. The Chinese government initially hesitated but ultimately declared martial law, leading to a violent crackdown by the People's Liberation Army. The massacre, which left hundreds to thousands dead, drew international condemnation. Despite censorship efforts, the iconic image of 'Tank Man' became a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes.

Takeaways

• 📍 The Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989 was a brutal government crackdown on student-led protests advocating for political and economic reform in China.
• 💔 The protests were ignited by the death of Hu Yaobang, a reformist leader admired for his opposition to corruption and support of freedom of speech.
• 📢 Students used gatherings at Tiananmen Square as an opportunity to demand political reform, leading to the creation of a list of seven demands for change.
• ✊ Despite peaceful efforts, student protests were met with resistance from the government, including police violence and dismissals of their demands.
• 🔒 As the protests spread to other cities, the Chinese government grew increasingly concerned and hostile, accusing students of inciting civil unrest.
• 🍽 A large-scale hunger strike by students in Tiananmen Square during Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s visit brought international attention to the protest.
• 📺 A televised meeting between student leaders and Premier Li Peng failed to resolve the tension, and internal divisions within the Communist Party grew.
• 🚨 On May 20th, martial law was declared in Beijing, and the military was ordered to clear the protests, which continued despite this escalation.
• ⚔ On June 3rd and 4th, the People's Liberation Army brutally suppressed the protests using live ammunition, tanks, and armed personnel carriers, leading to hundreds or thousands of deaths.
• 🕊 Despite international condemnation, the Chinese government quickly regained control, executing or imprisoning protest leaders and imposing increased censorship within the country.

Q & A

What was the spark that ignited the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989?

The death of Hu Yaobang, a former chairman and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, sparked the protests. Hu was seen as a reformist and an opponent of corruption, and his death led to national grief and public gatherings to mourn him.

What were the students' initial demands during the protests?

The students' initial demands focused on political and economic reforms, including greater freedom of speech, a free press, and an end to corruption within the government.

How did the Chinese government initially respond to the protests?

The government initially hoped the protests would lose momentum. However, when the protests persisted, the state-controlled media accused the students of plotting civil unrest, which further enraged the protesters.

How did the students attempt to leverage Mikhail Gorbachev's visit to China?

The students knew Gorbachev's visit in May 1989 would attract international attention, so they intensified their protests, including a hunger strike, to draw media attention and put pressure on the government to negotiate.

What role did workers play in the Tiananmen Square protests?

Workers in Beijing and other cities joined the students in demanding political and economic reforms, including an end to corruption and greater freedoms. Their participation added momentum to the protests.

What event marked the turning point leading to the military crackdown?

The declaration of martial law on May 20, 1989, marked the turning point. The government decided to take a hardline approach to end the protests, which eventually led to the military crackdown in early June.

What was the 'Goddess of Democracy,' and what did it symbolize?

The 'Goddess of Democracy' was a 33-foot-high statue made of foam and paper mache, erected by the protesters in Tiananmen Square. It symbolized the students' desire for freedom and democracy.

What happened during the military crackdown on June 3-4, 1989?

On the night of June 3 and into June 4, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) moved into Beijing, using live ammunition, tear gas, and tanks to clear protesters from Tiananmen Square and surrounding areas. Many protesters were killed or injured.

What is the significance of 'Tank Man' in the aftermath of the crackdown?

The 'Tank Man' was an anonymous protester who famously stood in front of a column of tanks the day after the crackdown, on June 5, 1989. This act of defiance became a symbol of resistance to authoritarianism and was widely covered by international media.

How did the Chinese government respond to international condemnation after the crackdown?

The Chinese government faced widespread international condemnation, but it quickly regained control domestically. Student leaders were arrested, some were executed, and the government increased censorship to suppress the truth of the events.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Spark of the Tiananmen Square Protests

In April 1989, the death of Hu Yaobang, a former Chinese Communist Party leader known for his anti-corruption stance, sparked widespread public mourning. His death symbolized a desire for political reform, inspiring student-led protests at Tiananmen Square. These protests quickly escalated as students sought to push for greater freedom of speech, transparency, and economic liberalization. Tensions grew when police clashed with demonstrators, leading to a series of marches, demands for reform, and the eventual expansion of the protests to other cities.

05:03

⚖️ Government Resistance and Growing Public Support

As the protests grew, the government, initially hoping they would lose momentum, began to label the demonstrators as agitators. This accusation only fueled more protests, with tens of thousands of students and workers demanding reforms, including an end to corruption and the establishment of a democratic system. The students gained support from workers and ordinary citizens, increasing pressure on the government. The arrival of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in China provided the protesters with a unique opportunity for international attention, leading to even larger demonstrations and hunger strikes.

🚨 Martial Law Declared and Military Intervention

On May 20, 1989, in response to the escalating protests, martial law was declared in Beijing. However, the military's attempt to enter the city was initially blocked by a massive number of protesters. For days, the protesters continued to rally, constructing the iconic 'Goddess of Democracy' statue. Tensions peaked on June 3rd, when the government ordered the People's Liberation Army to forcefully remove the demonstrators. What followed was a violent crackdown, with troops using live ammunition and tanks to clear the streets, resulting in heavy casualties.

💔 The Brutal End and International Repercussions

On June 4, 1989, the protests came to a bloody end as the Chinese military stormed Tiananmen Square, killing and injuring thousands of protesters. Foreign journalists captured some of the violence, most notably the iconic 'Tank Man' standoff, which became a global symbol of resistance. In the aftermath, the Chinese government purged sympathetic officials, increased censorship, and imprisoned or executed many participants. The world reacted with shock and condemnation, though the Chinese government quickly regained control, solidifying its grip on power and silencing calls for reform.

Keywords

💡Tiananmen Square Massacre

The Tiananmen Square Massacre refers to the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by the Chinese government in 1989. It is central to the video as it describes the government's response to the demonstrations, resulting in significant international condemnation. This event symbolizes the suppression of political dissent in China.

💡Wu Yiaobang

Wu Yiaobang was the former Chairman and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, known for his democratic leanings and opposition to corruption. His death on April 15, 1989, sparked the initial protests, as people gathered to mourn him and push for political reform. His legacy is seen as a catalyst for the subsequent movement.

💡Political and Economic Reform

Political and economic reform refers to the protesters' demands for changes in China's governance and economic policies. These reforms included greater freedom of speech, press freedom, and an end to corruption. The video highlights how the lack of response to these demands led to escalated protests and eventual government action.

💡Martial Law

Martial law was declared in Beijing on May 20, 1989, as the government sought to suppress the growing protests. This declaration allowed the military to take control of the city and marked a turning point in the government's approach to dealing with the demonstrators. The imposition of martial law escalated the conflict and led to the eventual massacre.

💡People's Liberation Army (PLA)

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the armed forces of the Communist Party of China. The PLA was ordered to suppress the protests in Tiananmen Square, leading to violent clashes and the massacre. The video describes how the PLA used tanks, small arms fire, and other means to clear the square and restore order.

💡Hunger Strike

A hunger strike was initiated by a significant number of protesters on May 13, 1989, to press the government to withdraw accusations against them. The hunger strike gained widespread public support and intensified the pressure on the government. The video shows how this act of sacrifice highlighted the protesters' commitment to their cause.

💡Goddess of Democracy

The Goddess of Democracy was a 33-foot-high statue built by the protesters in Tiananmen Square. It symbolized their desire for freedom and democracy. The video describes how the statue became a rallying point for the demonstrators and represented their aspirations for a more open and democratic society.

💡International Condemnation

International condemnation refers to the global response to the Chinese government's crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests. The video notes how the violent suppression of the protests led to widespread criticism from other nations and damaged China's international reputation. This external pressure highlighted the global importance of the events.

💡Zhao Ziyang

Zhao Ziyang was the General Secretary of the Communist Party who sympathized with the protesters. He visited Tiananmen Square on May 19, 1989, to urge the students to end their hunger strike, but was unsuccessful. The video highlights his dismissal and the internal conflict within the Communist Party over how to handle the protests.

💡Censorship

Censorship refers to the Chinese government's efforts to suppress information about the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The video explains how the government increased censorship to prevent the Chinese people from learning the truth about the events and to control the narrative. This underscores the regime's intent to maintain power and avoid accountability.

Highlights

Tiananmen Square in Beijing became the center of unparalleled protests in 1989, with students and workers opposing the political and economic system.

The protests were sparked by the death of Hu Yaobang, a popular former General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, known for his opposition to corruption and support for freedom of speech.

Initial student protests began with a march to the Great Hall of the People on April 17, 1989, demanding political reforms.

The protestors' seven demands included greater freedom of speech, press freedom, and an end to government corruption.

As protests spread across other Chinese cities, Beijing workers joined students, leading to a nationwide call for reform.

On April 26, 1989, the state-controlled press accused the protesters of causing civil unrest, which fueled greater protests.

On May 4, 100,000 students and workers marched in Beijing to demand meetings with the government to discuss reforms.

Protesters capitalized on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's May 15 visit to draw international media attention.

Students began a hunger strike on May 13, winning the sympathy of many ordinary citizens who saw them as sacrificing for the common good.

By May 19, martial law was declared in Beijing, as hardline members of the Communist Party, led by Deng Xiaoping, decided to end the protests.

On June 3-4, 1989, the People's Liberation Army was ordered to clear Tiananmen Square using tanks, tear gas, and live ammunition.

The crackdown was violent, with troops firing into crowds and running over protesters, resulting in hundreds to thousands of deaths.

Footage of the iconic 'Tank Man' standoff, captured on June 5, became symbolic of the protests and the brutality of the government's response.

Following the crackdown, government officials who sympathized with the protests were purged, and media censorship increased in China.

International condemnation followed the Tiananmen Square massacre, but the Chinese government swiftly regained control, arresting and executing protest participants.

Transcripts

Tiananmen Square massacre 1989 Tiananmen

Square in the heart of the Chinese

capital Beijing has been a place of

enormous significance in modern Chinese

history for seven weeks in the spring

and early summer of 1989 it was the

focus of unparalleled protests by

students and workers against the

political and economic system leading to

a brutal government crackdown an

international condemnation of the

communist regime on April 15 1989 the

spark that ignited the protests was the

death of whoo-yah bomb the former

chairman and General Secretary of the

Communist Party of China who was popular

among the people of China as he was seen

as being an opponent of corruption and

nepotism and was more democratically

minded than many other leading members

of the Communist Party of China being in

favor of greater freedom of speech and

of the press a more transparent system

and economic liberalism his death

therefore led to an outpouring of

national grief with small public

gatherings arranged as a show of respect

and to give people the opportunity to

mourn one of the largest of these

gatherings was held at the monument to

the people's heroes in the center of

Tiananmen Square students began to join

these gatherings in large numbers seeing

them as an opportunity to put pressure

on the government to reform aspects of

the political and economic system on

April 17th a group of 500 students

marched to the Great Hall of the people

to hold a small informal ceremony of

remembrance for who yell bomb the police

fearful that the marchers were intent on

causing trouble dispersed the group this

led to more students joining the

gathering in Tiananmen Square where

their leaders produced the list of seven

demands their suggestions on how China

should be reformed the following day a

group of students tried to take these

demands to the Standing Committee of the

Communist Party they were prevented by a

hastily formed police presence and left

frustrated as a lack of an official

response

the students tried again organizing a

sit-in outside of the official

government residence on April 20th the

police used batons on the protesters and

when news of the violence filtered back

to the students in Tiananmen Square

furious anger erupted the next day

100,000 students marched to the square

gathering there before it could be

closed off for the funeral of Huy Abba

which was due to be held the next day

the students requested to meet Premier

Li Po but received no response they

therefore organized a two-day strike at

the universities by now the protests had

spread to other Chinese cities as well

the government which had up until now

been hoping that the protests would run

out of momentum decided to act on April

26th the state-controlled press went on

the attack accusing the students of

plotting civil unrest this enraged the

students 50,000 of whom took to the

streets demanding that the government

retract their accusation the anger which

they felt further galvanized the

students to focus their demands which

now encompassed an end to corruption

freedom of the press and a move towards

democracy in this they had the support

of the workers of Beijing who joined the

protests on May 4th 100,000 students and

workers marched in Beijing to demand

meetings between student leaders and the

government as well as an acceleration of

political and economic reform this was

rejected by the government which only

agreed to talk to certain members of

approved student organizations the

protesters decided to take advantage of

the fact that the leader of the USSR

Mikhail Gorbachev would be arriving in

China on May 15th

his visit had generated a huge amount of

international interest meaning that

large numbers of foreign journalists

were present in China the protesters

knew that this gave them a unique

opportunity to put pressure on the

government who would want to avoid

negative publicity therefore on May 13th

the protestors demanded that the

government withdraw the accusations made

press on April 26th a significant number

of protesters in Tiananmen Square also

went on hunger strike an act which won

them the support of many ordinary people

who saw the students as being willing to

sacrifice themselves for the good of all

Chinese people on May 18th Premier Li Po

and several of the student leaders met

for a televised debate however rather

than having a dialogue the discussions

were confrontational by now the

government led by Deng Xiaoping was

desperate to end the protests on May

19th

general secretary Zhao Ziyang who was

sympathetic to the demonstrations went

to Tiananmen Square where he made a

speech urging the students to end their

hunger strike he was unsuccessful and a

split now emerged among the leadership

of the Communist Party Xiao would then

soon be dismissed from his position as

general secretary some more moderate

figures wish to make concessions to

appease the protesters and end the

tension others such as leepung disagreed

regarding the lengthy protests and the

idea of being seemed to give in as a

threat to China stability

the hardline members were in control of

the Armed Forces won the debate and

support of the paramount leader Deng

Xiaoping and on May 20th martial law was

declared in Beijing the military were

ordered into the city but found their

way blocked by a mass of protesters in

the face of such mass unrest the army

was ordered to withdraw on May 24th and

the demonstrations continued during this

time the demonstrators built and rallied

around the goddess of democracy a 33

foot high statue built from foam and

paper mache on the evening of June 3rd

the leaders of the Communist Party then

decided to bring the protests to an end

once and for all they ordered the

People's Liberation Army to move into

Beijing when hostile protesters sent

buses alight to use as road blocks to

slow the Army's progress the troops

fired live ammunition into the crowds

clashes continued as the PLA attempted

to clear the streets

moving up Chang on avenues towards the

square using tear gas small arms fire

armoured personnel carriers and tanks as

injured civilians were taken to the

hospital by rickshaw drivers who braved

rifle fire to pluck them out of what was

rapidly becoming a battle zone the army

pushed the protesters back to Tiananmen

Square and now sought to end the

protests by forcing the remaining

demonstrators to leave this where

soldiers fired their assault rifles into

the crowd of protesters who remain as

the APCs advanced toward

running over the crowd and barricades

crushing them protesters who attempted

to take shelter from the assault in

buses were hauled out and beaten and

students who tried to leave the square

peacefully also came under attack

soldiers were also attacked in turn by

protesters with rocks and Molotov

cocktails or were simply dragged from

their vehicles and beaten to death tanks

arrived in the square between 4:00 and

5:00 a.m. on the morning of June 4th and

the square was completely cleared of

protesters by 5:40 a.m. despite the

presence of a large number of foreign

journalists in Beijing this crackdown

was difficult to capture on film as the

government had ordered foreign networks

to stop broadcasting from the city as

military action became more likely those

that captured footage in the heart of

the crackdown risked being attacked and

killed themselves and rushed to smuggle

it out for the world to see one infamous

piece of footage that was captured was

the standoff between a Seoul protester

nor his tank man and a column of Tanks

returning to Tiananmen Square the next

day of June 5th which immediately made

headlines around the world those

government officials who had sympathized

with the protesters were purged from the

party and placed under house arrest

members of the state media who had

expressed support for the protesters

were also removed from their positions

the events in Tiananmen Square also led

to increased censorship as the

government sought to hide the truth of

what had happened from the Chinese

people the Chinese government faced

international condemnation for the

crackdown the shock of the violent

government response to the protests

meant that the government quickly

regained control student leaders were

arrested and were sent to prison with

student leader wang don sentenced to

seven years some other student leaders

were able to flee the country and many

students and they're sympathetic

professors were punished by being

blacklisted making it hard to get

employment

workers who participated in the protests

were treated more harshly with those

caught being quickly executed estimates

of the number killed vary greatly

the official Chinese government figure

of two hundred and forty-one fatalities

is widely thought to be false with other

estimates of the number killed ranging

from eight hundred to ten thousand