Tiananmen Massacre Research Paper

The Tiananmen Massacre is not only one of the most influential events of all time but also one of the most censored. In April of 1989, over one hundred thousand students protested political reform in Beijing, China. As time went on, the protest grew exponentially as the students were joined by middle-class workers and peasants. By June, Tiananmen Square was flooded with millions of people; doctors, journalist, farmers, even soldiers were there. The only group not present were the political elites. The peaceful protest had continued uncontested for several months. It was not until June when martial law was declared and tanks rolled into the square and surrounding neighborhoods with only two orders. The first was to avoid bloodshed but the second …show more content…
As a column of tanks paraded down the street firing into buildings one man made an intentional, premediated stand. Like an ancient oak he stood motionless before a column of charging tanks. He was completely unarmed, with nothing but a shopping bag in his hand, he showed no fear as the tanks barreled towards him. The driver showed no intention of slowing down until at the very last moment the tank stopped only feet away from the man. Out of unexpected mercy the tank’s driver tried to go around him multiple times only to have him repeatedly jump in the way. After this short dance the lead tank shut off its engine and the other tanks soon followed suit. The man goes on offense now and climbs up the tank banging on its hatch, when a crew member comes out he pleads with him. “Why are you here? Leave my city. You have caused nothing but grief and death” (Frontline, 1). When he gets down, the tanks try once more to continue their march only to have the man re-barricade the road. This time, however, brave onlookers ran to him quickly rushing him off the street before any harm could come. Still to this day entirely nameless, this courageous hero was fully prepared to become a martyr for his