BF2S Forums June 4th, 1989 - Anniversary of Tian an Men Square

The Tian an Men Square was formally called in the English translation, Gate of Power  however after some minor mishaps, it had to be rebuilt.  Infact, it has been renovated and rebuilt numerous times.  In 1651, also known as the Qing dynasty, it  was renamed to Tian an Men Square and it’s name held ever since.  The latest construction project for the Tian an Men Square was in 1958 where it was enlarged to a size of about 444,000 square meters.

The Tian an Men Square was built around a moat to possibly stop the invasion of hostile troops.  In the modern days now, it’s basically for show.  The maintenance on the moat is incredible; they keep it as clean as they can.

The Tian an Men Square was built in Beijing. It was built facing north and was built on flat land.  The Square is surrounded by the Chinese National Museum and the Great Hall of the People both of which are famous buildings.  The Square is also surrounded by a major roadway called the Dong Chang’ae Jie.

This is where it all started.  Many people in Beijing at the time, wouldn’t dare to fight against the governments ways.  Back in the 80’s, and even before, freedom of speech was disallowed by the government.  There were strict rules; some of them include, “Don’t defame the government” and “Don’t spread rumors about the government”.  If you’ve broken those rules and were caught, then you’d face prison time or even torture. 

Eventually some people decided now-is-enough and formed a small group.  Most these members consisted of students.  Now at the time, there was this government leader named Hu Yaobang.  He wasn’t the most friendliest leader, having imposed strict new laws to China but he died at the age of 74 from a heart attack.  At this time, many things were changing.  Many students were starting to gather in demanding a change to the corrupt government.  On that side, they had a new leader called Zhao Ziyang and he wanted something done to stop those demonstrations.

Zhao ordered a group of militates to head up to the protests however there was a catch.  Those group of militates who arrived in an army jeep, were un armed.  A very strange site however many speculate it was too scare the people away, but it failed.  Instead of scaring the people away, they became more determined to get change!  The jeep was surrounded by these people and held there for about three days.  During those three days, the militates stayed put, but were accepting the food and other things from the people.  They wanted to know, they came in peace.

However for some unknown reason, the government didn’t quite understand that.  They still didn’t for full any request that the protesters demanded.  They’ve been at the square for quite a while, and the people were becoming an inconvenience.  Also, since public demonstrations are illegal, they were technically criminals.

So what do most governments do with criminals?  Well, they could either punish them or get rid of them or just leave them be.  China picked getting rid of them.

What happened next stunned millions of people.  Instead of a peaceful end to it; calling off the demonstrations, there was an order set by the government.  On May 20th, 1989 Beijing was declared in ruling of Martial Law.  The government was now worried because instead of students in the protests, average people like the workers and children joined in.  This wasn’t just a students demonstration who wanted more freedom, it was many kinds of people.

The ongoing deal makings kept on for two weeks.  The government, however, kept strong and didn’t accept the deals.

Two weeks has pasted.  The government is still refusing everything the protesters are asking.  Some students were doing hunger protests, and other things to get the governments attention.  On June 4th, 1989, the government demanded to retake the Tian an Men Square by 6:00pm.  This was an order, and the army moved in.  The PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) were once heroes in the eyes of many civilians.  However, on that day that very hero would turn into the enemy. 
The PLA moved in from many major roads surrounding the Square.

On the way to the Square, many protesters have put up barricades in the hopes of preventing the PLA from moving forward.  However, the protesters with there lack of weapons, failed since the PLA brought in tanks which drove over the barricades.  This wasn’t just any war, but a war against the people. 

Many protesters now resulted in throwing rocks at the oncoming army however many of them died.  The PLA didn’t care who you were, if you were in the way they’d shoot you.

Even some of the aid personnel were shot!  Eventually, the Tian an Men Square was recaptured by the PLA.  On June 5th, the streets were quieter.  Many dead bodies lay on the streets and much debris was laying around.

The PLA did succeed in taking the Square but at what cost.  Some lucky snapshots of what happened were sent throughout the world, causing a global outrage.

Many countries imposed bans on China, and looked down upon them.  What kind of country would do such a thing?

The Chinese government changed slightly by disguising some things.  Hong Kong is a great example of a semi democracy city allowing more things then others. 

Although sadly today, there is censorship on newspapers, television reports and on the internet.  The government basically wants everyone to forget of what happened that day on June 4th, 1989. 

Many people now-a-days cannot still talk about what happened on that day.  There are still restrictions on freedom and many say the government is still corrupt.

But what could have been done alternatively?  Remember now, these demonstrations were peaceful, so perhaps the government could have worked out a deal?

In my opinion, the government could have done this without the use of any army.