Event · Twentieth century · China
Tiananmen Square 1989
1989
Beijing protests from April 1989 after Hu Yaobang's death; martial law; military clearance on 3–4 June. Death tolls remain disputed; most killing was on approaches such as Muxidi, not only inside the square.
Facts
- Martial law
- Declared in parts of Beijing, 20 May 1989.
- Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Tiananmen Square Incident
- Clearance
- Night of 3–4 June 1989.
- Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Tiananmen Square Incident
- Death toll
- Official figures a few hundred; hospital and scholarly estimates from hundreds to low thousands; some diplomatic cables much higher and disputed.
- Source: Amnesty; Brook; contemporary cables — ranges printed on purpose
The record
Mourning for Hu Yaobang became demands against corruption and for speech and reform. The Goddess of Democracy faced Mao's portrait for five days. Live fire along Chang'an Avenue, especially near Muxidi, killed civilians; clearing the square itself killed fewer than the approaches.
Tank Man on 5 June remains unidentified. Domestic search terms for June 4 stay blocked. Filed under China and the PRC civilization page.
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