Learn about The Student Protests in China 1989

Economic reforms under Dong Zhou Ping brought prosperity and an influx of foreign investment to communist China during the 1980. A contact with the west also inspired a yearning for democratic reforms. Students and young workers were specially vocal calling for constitutional rights and an end to party corruption. In April, 1989 throw democracy groups rallied at the funeral of Hue Yabang, the former premiere who had favored reform. Unrest spread, students across China boycotted classes. In Beijing, students demanding to meet with premiere Li Pang were turned away increasing frustration.

On May 4th, several hundred students pitched tents in the Anemone Square declaring a hunger strike. Dozens more joined in, on May 28th as millions of people poured into the streets of Beijing as support of the students. Li Pang declared martial law but the protesters were not budged. On May 30th, students unveiled their goddess of democracy before the foreign media. As tension mounted on and unarmed troops patrolled the city, the students held their ground and party leaders deliberated. Finally on the night of June the third, the army returned the force. Armored units rolled into downtown Beijing firing at anyone in their path. More than 800 civilians were killed in the crack down. Thousands were imprisoned, an untold number were executed. Although hope for democratic reform were doused, the events at Anemone Square in 1989 left the war with enduring images of personal courage.


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