Tiananmen Square Massacre essays

Tiananmen Square Massacre essays On the nights of June 3-4, 1989, it can be accurately stated that there was a bloody, ugly incident in the streets of Beijing in which many people lost their lives. The facts of this incident, however, are greatly disputed and questioned. Differing reports from students, citizens, journalists, and the government create a muddled, confusing story that is clearly representative of bias. By examining eyewitness reports and video and sound footage, one can try to determine which reports are factual and which reports are products of emotion and partiality. In doing this we can piece together the most likely series of events. In this report I rely heavily on the statements of foreign journalists and intellectuals as well as the students involved who I have determined to be a reliable source. While I consider the statements of students who I have determined to be more biased and also in a very small way the government, I do not accept any of their statements not backed up by other witnesses. During the two weeks of martial law enacted on May 20 there existed a tense stand-off between the Government and the people of Beijing. With the regular citizens or laobaixing aiding the students by blocking troops attempting to advance towards the square, and dissension among the party running high, the government was growing extremely frustrated with the situation. The build of troops around Beijing alarmed and angered most residents. The Chinese people had always been taught that the PLA was an army to protect the people, the thought of using it against their own people infuriated many. The laobaixing also strongly agreed with the students cause. They had felt the effects of the government corruption and inefficient leadership more than any. With the populations ire of the government growing with each day, strong outbursts of emotion were inevitable. One ominous event just days before June 4 clearly showed the tension both sides wer...