When people feel that existing authorities and business structure serve their needs, they have no need to rebel-they look for solution to the problem within the existing order. But when they see that the system is corrupt and unfair and that is favors that privileged few, situation is ripe for civil unrests. Often, only one “spark” is enough to create the feeling with people that they have to change something.
If demonstrations are massed enough, that is a lot of citizens participate in them, they clearly show deep public discontent that cannot be silenced by “regular” means that are available to authorities. Demonstrations and protest that resolve social and political problems follow our mankind throughout history. It is difficult to imagine what would the world look like today had the French bourgeois didn’t happen in 1789 or the “fall” of Berlin wall. The following attachment talks about 10 biggest and most famous protests that changed our history.
10THE ALEXANDERPLATZ DEMONSTRATION (EAST GERMANY, 1989)
Between half a million and a million people gathered in East Berlin to demand political reform. Within days the Communist regime collapsed and the Berlin Wall fell.
09STONEWALL RIOTS (USA, 1969)
A police raid on a New York City gay bar led to an eruption of unrest. The riots called for equality and they remain a landmark event in the gay rights movement.
08THE STORMING OF THE BASTILLE (FRANCE, 1789)
Fury at King Louis XVI´s reign led to angry mobs taking to the streets. When they stormed the Bastille prison they ignited the French Revolution.
07THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION (PHILIPPINES, 1986)
Rigged elections by Ferdinand Marcos´s repressive regime sparked protests. Forced to step down, Marcos was replaced by Corazon Aquino, who brought democracy.
06THE TAHRIR SQUARE PROTESTS (EGYPT, 2011)
Over a million people gathered to demonstrate against the 30-years regime of Hosni Mubarak. In a little over two weeks he was forced to resign.
05SOWETO UPRISING (SOUTH AFRICA, 1976)
Some 500 people died during these student protests, including children. It strengthened the anti-apartheid movement domestically and internationally.
04MUHARRAM PROTESTS (IRAN, 1978)
Between 6 and 9 million people took to the streets to overthrow the Shah. His exit severely damaged US influence in the region.
03MARCH ON WASHINGTON (USA, 1963)
200.000 people marched on the US capital demanding equal rights for African Americans. The Civil Rights Act was successfully passed in 1964.
02SALT SATYAGRAHA (INDIA, 1930)
Gandhi embarked on a 240 mile long “Salt march” to protest against British colonial law. 60.000 Indians would be arrested in the coming months as protests spread.
01THE BOSTON TEA PARTY (USA, 1773)
Around 18.000 dollars of tea was thrown into the sea by American colonists angry at British rule. The protest was the precursor to the American Revolution.
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