The 8888 Uprising involved an unprecedented wave of protests that surged through Myanmar starting in March 1988. Triggered by public dissatisfaction over economic mismanagement and political repression by the military government, citizens and students organized peaceful demonstrations calling for democracy and human rights. By August, these protests had escalated and drawn in a broad base of society, including monks, professionals, and ordinary citizens. Yangon, then known as Rangoon, became the focal point of these mass protests as hundreds of thousands filled the streets. Despite the largely peaceful nature of the uprising, the military's response became increasingly violent as they tightened control. On September 18, 1988, the government declared martial law, marking a turning point of the Uprising. The military used lethal force to suppress the demonstrators, resulting in thousands of deaths and arrests. Following the violent crackdown, General Saw Maung assumed power, leading to the establishment of a military junta that would rule for years to come. The events of this time are crucial in understanding Myanmar's struggles for democracy and civil rights in subsequent decades.