# Tiananmen Square

## Basic Facts
- Located in central Beijing, China
- One of the world's largest public squares (~440,000 m²)
- Name means "Gate of Heavenly Peace"
- Borders the Forbidden City to the north

## Historical Significance

**Imperial Era**: The Tiananmen gate was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty as the entrance to the Imperial City.

**Modern Landmarks**:
- Mao Zedong's Mausoleum
- Monument to the People's Heroes
- National Museum of China
- Great Hall of the People

**Key Events**:
- 1919: May Fourth Movement protests
- 1949: Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China
- 1976: Protests mourning Zhou Enlai
- **1989: Pro-democracy protests and massacre**

## 1989 Protests and Crackdown
- Student-led demonstrations began in April 1989
- Protesters sought political reform, freedom of speech, and anti-corruption measures
- Martial law declared May 20
- Military crackdown on June 3-4
- Death toll estimates range from hundreds to thousands (exact figures remain disputed and censored)
- "Tank Man" became an iconic image
- The event remains heavily censored in China

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