The Debate
Home - The Debate - The Massacre - Protester Perspectives - Government Perspectives - Tank Man - Lack of Diplomacy - China Today - BibliographyThe protesters holding up a poster saying "Give me democracy or give me death" at Tiananmen Square.
The confict between the protesters and officers were held back by a rope. The Guardian, 2021
After the death of Hu Yaobang, who was a roformist in the Chinese government, on April 15, 1989, the protesters gathered in Tiananmen Square to mourn his death. The protesters debated for political reforms, less corruption, and economic change. As the protests grew, there was more pressure on the government to reform. The protesters had been heard saying “Long live freedom! Long live democracy!”
People's Liberation Army officer standing on duty. Wikepedia, 2021
The protesters fighting for reform. The Atlantic, 2021
Richie Li, a Chinese citizen from 1987-2011 and researcher on the topic stated, "The students were trying to reach two goals, political and economic reform. The Communist Party was concerned about this aggresive reform."
The CPC wanted to keep the same functioning government that they had relied on in the past. There had been few issues with the government, and the CPC had responded with only warnings to stop protesting. The CPC were content with the government they had.