1989 Tiananmen Square protests The nomenclature of the former is consistent with the customary names of the other two great protests that occurred in Tiananmen Square: the May Fourth Movement of 1919 and the April Fifth Movement of 1976. June Fourth refers to the day on which the People's Liberation Army cleared Tiananmen Square of protesters, although actual operations began on the evening of 4 June. Names such as June Fourth Movement (Chinese: , "liù-sì yùndòng") and '89 Democracy Movement (Chinese: , "bā-jiǔ mínyùn") are used to describe the event in its entirety. Outside mainland China, and among circles critical of the crackdown within
1989 Tiananmen Square protests was initially seen as 'turning the tide' in favour of protesters, in reality mobilization took place across the country for a final assault. At the same time, internal divisions intensified within the student movement itself. By late May, the students became increasingly disorganized with no clear leadership or unified course of action. Moreover, Tiananmen Square was overcrowded and facing serious hygiene problems. Hou Dejian suggested an open election of the student leadership to speak for the movement, but was met with opposition. Meanwhile, Wang Dan moderated his position, ostensibly sensing the impending military action and consequences, and advocated for a