Historical Events tagged with "student protests"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Mass Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

February 14th, 2018 7 years ago

A gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leading to 17 fatalities and 17 injuries. The shooter, Nikolas Cruz, was a former student of the school and carried out the attack using an AR-15-style rifle. The incident sparked nationwide protests and calls for stricter gun control laws, with students from the school becoming prominent advocates for gun reform. This shooting became one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Students Launch Hunger Strike in Tiananmen Square

May 13th, 1989 35 years ago

Large groups of students gathered in Tiananmen Square to begin a hunger strike, calling for political reform, freedom of expression, and an end to government corruption. This act of peaceful protest was organized primarily by university students in Beijing, drawing significant public attention and support from various sectors of society. The hunger strike marked a pivotal moment in the pro-democracy movement, symbolizing the students' commitment to their cause even in the face of potential repercussions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Student-Led Protests Erupt in Burma

August 8th, 1988 36 years ago

In Burma, massive protests led by students erupted against the ruling one-party regime, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide. The demonstrations, fueled by widespread discontent over economic hardships and political repression, saw citizens calling for democracy and human rights. Cities were filled with protesters demanding change, culminating in a significant show of unity and determination for reform. However, the peaceful protests faced a brutal military crackdown on September 18, resulting in the deaths of thousands of demonstrators and highlighting the oppressive nature of the regime.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Student Protests for Political Rights in Kosovo

March 11th, 1981 44 years ago

Hundreds of students staged protests at the University of Pristina in Kosovo, then part of Yugoslavia, demanding increased political rights for their province. This movement, driven by frustrations over ethnic and regional inequalities, gained traction as students rallied for autonomy and social justice. The protests resonated throughout Kosovo and inspired similar demonstrations across the country, signaling a significant shift in public sentiment against the existing political framework.

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Politics & Government

Chun Doo-hwan Declares Martial Law in South Korea

May 17th, 1980 44 years ago

General Chun Doo-hwan seized control of the South Korean government in response to escalating student demonstrations. On this day, he declared martial law aimed at suppressing the protests, which had been fueled by demands for democratic reforms following years of authoritarian rule. The move marked a pivotal moment in South Korea's political landscape, as the military sought to maintain order amidst growing civil unrest.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Thammasat University Student Protest Rally

October 14th, 1973 51 years ago

In Thailand, a massive protest involving over 100,000 citizens erupted in opposition to the military government. Students from Thammasat University led the demonstrations, which sought to promote democracy and civil rights. The rally escalated into violent clashes with soldiers, resulting in 77 fatalities and hundreds injured. The uprising represented a significant push against authoritarian rule, highlighting widespread discontent with the military's grip on power and its refusal to address calls for democratic reforms.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Rosariazo Protests Sparked by Student's Death

May 21st, 1969 55 years ago

Following the death of a 15-year-old student, civil unrest erupted in Rosario, Argentina, where thousands took to the streets in protest. The incident triggered anger among the youth and community, who united to demand answers and justice, highlighting grievances against government policies and social issues prevalent at the time. This spontaneous wave of protests, known as 'Rosariazo', captured national attention and raised awareness of the sociopolitical climate in Argentina.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Suppression of Student Demonstration in Mexico City

October 2nd, 1968 56 years ago

Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, the President of Mexico, ordered the military to suppress a peaceful demonstration by unarmed students in Mexico City. This drastic action occurred merely ten days before the opening of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. The students were protesting against government repression, military spending, and the lack of democratic freedoms. The violent crackdown left many injured and resulted in significant public outcry against the government. Events escalated rapidly as the military responded with force, highlighting the tension between the government and its citizens.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Columbia University Student Protest Takeover

April 23rd, 1968 57 years ago

Student protesters at Columbia University took over administration buildings and shut down the university in response to the Vietnam War and campus policies. The protests were part of a broader national movement against U.S. involvement in Vietnam, reflecting rising tensions and dissatisfaction within the student body. Activists called for an end to the university's involvement in military research and protested against the construction of a gymnasium in a nearby public park.

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