In the spring of 1989, something remarkable happened in Beijing, China. Thousands of university students gathered in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. They wanted the Chinese government to allow more democracy, meaning the people would have more say in how the country was run. The students set up tents and stayed for weeks. Workers, teachers, and everyday citizens joined them. At its peak, over a million people filled the square and nearby streets. They made speeches and held signs calling for freedom of speech and an end to government corruption. The Chinese government warned the protesters to leave. On June 4, 1989, soldiers moved into the square. The peaceful protest was ended by force. Many people were hurt. Governments around the world criticized what happened. One of the most famous images from that day shows a single person standing in front of a line of tanks. Nobody knows who this person was. The photograph became a symbol of courage around the world.