Everyone knows the haunting image of a single man standing in front of a line of tanks in Tiananmen Square. The photo shared around the world came one day after the Chinese Communist Party authorized the removal of Tiananmen Square protestors by any means necessary.
But what came before the massacre on June 4th, 1989? What sparked the Chinese government to kill hundreds, if not thousands of its own citizens?
Here are 17 photos of Tiananmen Square, before the tanks rolled in.
1
Student Activists
Mourning the death of Communist Party chief and reformer Hu Yaobang. April, 1989.
2
Student Protest, Tienanmen Square
Students were protesting in general against economic policy, and for greater democratic freedom.
3
May Protests
Broadcast around the country.
4
The Goddess of Democracy
A figure built by protestors to represent their demands.
5
Watching the Protests
Beijing, 1989.
6
Pu Zhiqiang
Student protester at Tiananmen. Taken on May 10th. The words say, "We want the freedom of newspapers, freedom of associations, also to support the 'World Economic Herald,' and support those just journalists."
7
A Focused Student
On hunger strike, 1989.
8
Motorcycle Parade
The "Flying Tigers" ride to support the students. May, 1989.
9
Jackie Chan
At the benefit concert in Hong Kong, in support of Tiananmen Square protesters. May, 1989.
10
The Beijing Students’ Autonomous Federation
A collection of university organizing groups.
11
Hunger Strikes
Mass hunger strikes in mid-May galvanized support for the students around the country, pushing the government into action.
12
Protestors Block Soldiers
The initial wave of soldiers in late May came unarmed.
13
Clashing With Police
Student protests.
14
Injured Protestor
Helped by students.
