1990 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 10 Jan China lifts martial law in Beijing after Tiananmen Square protests: On January 10, 1990, Chinese Premier Li Peng announced the lifting of martial law in Beijing, seven months after it was imposed to suppress pro-democracy protests. The move was seen as a symbolic gesture aimed at improving foreign relations and resuming economic aid. Despite the lifting, strict laws banning dissent remained in force, and security measures continued to be enforced. source: upi.com
- 11 Jan Lithuanians rally for independence ahead of Gorbachev's visit: On January 10, 1990, approximately 25,000 Lithuanians gathered in Vilnius' Cathedral Square to demand independence from the Soviet Union, a day before Mikhail Gorbachev's scheduled visit. Demonstrators carried national flags and banners, with slogans such as "We didn't join the Soviet Union, you grabbed us!" expressing their desire for sovereignty. This demonstration was part of a broader movement for independence that culminated in Lithuania declaring its independence on March 11, 1990. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Jan Romania outlaws Communist Party amid public outcry: On January 12, 1990, interim President Ion Iliescu declared the Romanian Communist Party outlawed, citing its opposition to the national spirit and ancestral laws. This decision followed intense public pressure from thousands of demonstrators demanding the party's dissolution. The announcement was made from the balcony of the National Salvation Front's headquarters in Bucharest, with Iliescu addressing an estimated 10,000 protesters. The crowd responded with chants of "Victory! Victory!" and "Down with communism!" source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Jan Black January: Soviet crackdown in Baku: On January 19–20, 1990, Soviet troops entered Baku, Azerbaijan, to suppress anti-Soviet protests, resulting in the deaths of 147 civilians and injuries to around 800 others. The operation, known as "Black January," was intended to prevent the Azerbaijani independence movement from overthrowing the Soviet Azerbaijani government. The Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan later declared the Soviet intervention an act of aggression. source: blacksea-caspia.eu
- 05 Feb 250,000 Urge Reform in Protest at Kremlin: On February 5, 1990, approximately 250,000 people gathered outside the Kremlin in Moscow, demanding an end to the Soviet Union's one-party rule. This demonstration, one of the largest since the Bolshevik Revolution, highlighted the growing momentum for political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union. The protesters waved pre-revolutionary Russian flags and held placards urging party officials to 'Remember Romania,' referencing the recent overthrow of President Nicolae Ceaușescu. source: latimes.com
- 19 Feb Nepalese police clash with pro-democracy protesters, resulting in fatalities: On February 18, 1990, thousands of students and activists in Kathmandu, Nepal, initiated pro-democracy demonstrations, marking the first such protests in 11 years. The following day, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, leading to violent confrontations. Reports indicate that at least four people were killed in these clashes, with some sources suggesting the death toll was higher. The protests were part of a broader movement demanding the restoration of multi-party democracy in Nepal, which had been under a partyless system since 1960. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Feb President George H.W. Bush meets with President Václav Havel of Czechoslovakia: On February 20, 1990, President George H.W. Bush met with President Václav Havel of Czechoslovakia at the White House. This meeting marked the first visit by a Czechoslovak president to the United States since the Velvet Revolution, which led to the peaceful overthrow of the communist government in Czechoslovakia. The leaders discussed Europe's future and agreed to stay in touch amid the eventful period. source: georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov
- 09 Mar Violence erupts during Brixton poll tax protest: On March 9, 1990, a peaceful demonstration against the poll tax in Brixton, London, turned violent. Protesters threw paint bombs and bottles at police guarding the town hall, leading to clashes that resulted in injuries and arrests. The unrest was part of a series of nationwide protests against the controversial tax. source: theguardian.com
- 10 Mar Haitian President Prosper Avril resigns amid popular revolt: On March 10, 1990, Haitian President Lt. Gen. Prosper Avril resigned following widespread protests against his 18-month military government. He transferred power to Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hérard Abraham, who pledged to restore order and establish a provisional civilian government within three days. Avril was expected to leave the country shortly thereafter. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Mar Ethnic tensions erupt in Târgu Mureș, Romania: In March 1990, Târgu Mureș, a Transylvanian city with a mixed Romanian and Hungarian population, experienced significant ethnic clashes. The unrest began on March 15, when Hungarian citizens celebrated the anniversary of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution by displaying flags in Satu Mare, leading to protests from Romanians. The following day, a Hungarian individual drove into a crowd of Romanians protesting the flags, injuring 14. On March 19, Romanian villagers attacked the headquarters of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), escalating tensions. The violence peaked on March 20, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly 300 injuries. The Romanian military intervened to separate the conflicting groups. The clashes were among the most severe inter-ethnic incidents in post-communist Romania. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Mar Ethnic clashes in Târgu Mureș: On March 19, 1990, ethnic tensions escalated in Târgu Mureș, Romania, when a large group of ethnic Romanians attacked the headquarters of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR). The police and army delayed their response, resulting in numerous injuries among ethnic Hungarians inside. The following day, approximately 15,000 ethnic Hungarians gathered in the town square to protest, leading to further confrontations as ethnic Romanians, some transported from neighboring villages, joined the scene. The violence continued into the night, with the army intervening late on March 20 to disperse the crowds. The clashes resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. source: washingtonpost.com
- 30 Mar Poll tax riots erupt in London on March 31, 1990: On March 31, 1990, a massive anti-poll tax demonstration in London escalated into violent riots. An estimated 190,000 protesters marched to Trafalgar Square, where tensions with police led to clashes, resulting in 113 injuries and 340 arrests. Property damage was extensive, with numerous shops looted and vehicles set ablaze. The unrest was a significant factor in the eventual repeal of the poll tax. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 31 Mar Strangeways Prison riot begins on March 31, 1990: On March 31, 1990, tensions at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, England, escalated when inmates initiated a 30-minute sit-down protest in the chapel. This demonstration was a precursor to the larger riot that erupted the following day, leading to a 25-day standoff. The unrest resulted in significant damage to the prison and prompted widespread discussions on prison conditions and reform. source: theguardian.com
- 06 Apr Nepalese army opens fire on pro-democracy protesters in Kathmandu: On April 6, 1990, during the People's Movement (Jana Andolan), the Nepalese army opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals. This incident intensified the movement, leading King Birendra to lift the ban on political parties on April 8, 1990, and restore multiparty democracy in Nepal. source: csmonitor.com
- 08 Apr King Birendra lifts ban on political parties, ending absolute monarchy in Nepal: On April 8, 1990, King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev lifted the 29-year ban on political parties, marking the end of absolute monarchy and the beginning of a constitutional monarchy in Nepal. This decision followed widespread protests and demonstrations demanding the restoration of multiparty democracy, known as the Jana Andolan (People's Movement), which had intensified since February 18, 1990. The movement led to the drafting of a new constitution in November 1990, establishing a parliamentary system and guaranteeing fundamental rights. source: hrw.org
- 09 May South Korean anti-government protests escalate: On May 9, 1990, tens of thousands of students, dissidents, and radicals engaged in violent anti-government protests across South Korea, demanding the ouster of President Roh Tae Woo. The demonstrations led to clashes with riot police in over a dozen cities, resulting in numerous injuries and the arrest of more than 900 individuals. In Seoul, protesters set fire to a U.S. diplomatic building and engaged in intense confrontations with police forces. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 May Torreón massacre: Between May 13 and 15, 1911, during the Mexican Revolution, revolutionary forces led by Francisco I. Madero's brother, Emilio Madero, captured the city of Torreón, Coahuila. The Maderistas, along with local residents, initiated a massacre against the Chinese community, resulting in the deaths of approximately 303 individuals, including 5 Japanese nationals. The victims were accused of collusion with the government of Porfirio Díaz. This event led to a diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Qing China, which demanded reparations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jun June 1990 Mineriad in Romania: Between June 13 and 15, 1990, violent clashes occurred in Bucharest's University Square between anti-government protesters and miners from the Jiu Valley, who were brought to the capital by the government to suppress the demonstrations. The unrest resulted in at least four fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. The Romanian government, led by President Ion Iliescu, called upon the miners to restore order, leading to a violent confrontation with the protesters. source: romania-insider.com
- 05 Jul Bulgarian President Petar Mladenov resigns amid public pressure: On July 6, 1990, Bulgarian President Petar Mladenov resigned following mounting public protests and demands for his departure. The catalyst was a December 1989 remark, "Let the tanks come," made during a protest rally, which resurfaced in a Union of Democratic Forces campaign video, leading to widespread outrage and student demonstrations. Mladenov's resignation marked a significant moment in Bulgaria's transition to democracy. source: washingtonpost.com
- 11 Jul Oka Crisis begins with police raid on Mohawk barricade: On July 11, 1990, the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) initiated a police operation to dismantle a barricade erected by Mohawk protesters at The Pines in Oka, Quebec, opposing the expansion of a golf course onto land they claimed, including a burial ground. The operation led to a gunfight resulting in the death of SQ Corporal Marcel Lemay, marking the start of the 78-day Oka Crisis. source: historymuseum.ca
- 02 Aug President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismisses Benazir Bhutto's government: On August 6, 1990, President Ghulam Ishaq Khan dismissed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's government, citing corruption and mismanagement. He dissolved the National Assembly and declared a state of emergency, appointing Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi as caretaker Prime Minister. This move led to widespread protests and marked a significant political upheaval in Pakistan. source: dawn.com
- 26 Aug Bulgarian Socialist Party Headquarters Attacked: On August 26, 1990, thousands of protesters stormed and set fire to the headquarters of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) in Sofia. The unrest was sparked by the BSP's delay in removing a prominent red star from the building, a symbol of the former Communist regime. The fire caused extensive damage, leading to widespread condemnation and raising concerns about the country's stability during its transition from communism. source: washingtonpost.com
- 08 Oct 1990 Temple Mount killings during First Intifada: On October 8, 1990, Israeli Border Police clashed with Palestinian protesters near the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, resulting in the deaths of 17 Palestinians and injuries to over 150 others. The unrest was triggered by the Temple Mount Faithful's announcement to lay the cornerstone for a Third Temple, leading to mass riots. The United Nations Security Council condemned the violence, passing resolutions 672 and 673, which criticized the actions of Israeli security forces and called for an investigation. source: aljazeera.com
- 09 Nov Nepal establishes multiparty democracy: On November 9, 1990, Nepal officially established a multiparty democracy after years of political struggle and protests against the monarchy. This transition marked a significant change in the country's governance and political landscape. source: bbc.com
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