The key event surrounding the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 was the demand for political reform and greater personal freedoms in China. The protests began in April, primarily led by students advocating for democracy, freedom of speech, and government accountability. The movement drew widespread support from various sectors of society. However, on June 3-4, the Chinese government declared martial law and deployed troops to suppress the demonstrations, leading to a violent crackdown. The exact number of casualties remains disputed, but the incident is a significant moment in modern Chinese history and continues to influence discussions about human rights in the country.