Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party
Student Demonstrations Begin on April 15, 1989
Seven weeks that changed China’s history begin with a memorial in Tiananmen Square.
Student Demonstrations Begin on April 15, 1989
Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party
Student Movement’s Hunger Strike Declaration
Four weeks into the protests, students call for a hunger strike and issue a manifesto.
Student Movement’s Hunger Strike Declaration
Now Streaming
Uncover the violent true story of the seven-week demonstration that changed China forever.
Uncover the true story of the seven-week period that changed China forever. On June 4, 1989, a violent and bloody pro-democracy demonstration ended, leaving thousands dead, and laying the foundation for China’s future.
Uncover the true story of the seven-week period that changed China forever. On June 4, 1989, a violent and bloody pro-democracy demonstration ended, leaving thousands dead, and laying the foundation for China’s future.
Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party
Student Demonstrations Begin on April 15, 1989
Seven weeks that changed China’s history begin with a memorial in Tiananmen Square.
Student Demonstrations Begin on April 15, 1989
Tiananmen: The People Versus the Party
Student Movement’s Hunger Strike Declaration
Four weeks into the protests, students call for a hunger strike and issue a manifesto.
Student Movement’s Hunger Strike Declaration
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Providing Support for PBS.org
Photo Gallery
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©Agence Vu/Manuel Vimenet
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©Agence Vu/Pascal G
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Muriel Southerland
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©Agence Vu/Gabriel
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©Agence Vu/Manuel Vimenet
About the Show
On June 4, 1989 the world’s biggest, longest, and most famous pro-democracy demonstration was brought to a tragic end. The images from those final bloody days still burn bright in our imaginations; the death toll — from the Chinese official figure of 300 to estimates as high as 15,000 — is still disputed.
Tiananmen tells the gripping narrative of a period of just seven weeks in which the whole future of China today was founded, where at various turning points the final outcome could have avoided the massive bloodshed. These turning points unfold over two hours in a story told with the drama and pace of a political thriller.
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