What happened in Tiananmen Square?

The Tiananmen Square protests occurred in Beijing, China, primarily in the spring of 1989. The movement began in April, with students and other citizens gathering to demand political reform, increased democratic freedoms, and measures against government corruption. The protests were largely peaceful and included various activities such as hunger strikes and demonstrations. However, the situation escalated, and by early June, the Chinese government declared martial law. On June 3 and June 4, the military was deployed to clear the square, resulting in a violent crackdown on the protesters. The exact number of casualties remains unknown, but estimates range from hundreds to thousands killed. The Chinese government has since maintained strict censorship regarding the events and does not allow open discussion or acknowledgment of the protests, often limiting historical knowledge and remembrance within China. The incident remains a significant and sensitive topic regarding human rights and political repression in China.