Throughout the past century, numerous protests have left an indelible mark on the course of history, leading to significant social, political, and environmental changes. These influential demonstrations have shown the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. In this blog, we will take a closer look at 25 of the most impactful protests from the last 100 years, spanning a wide range of issues, from civil rights to climate change, and from anti-war movements to struggles for democracy. These transformative events have inspired countless individuals to stand up against injustice, challenge oppressive regimes, and demand a more equitable and sustainable world. As we delve into each of these groundbreaking moments, we will explore the unique context, strategies, and outcomes of these protests, offering valuable insights into the forces that have shaped our world and continue to drive change today.
Salt March (1930) - Led by Mahatma Gandhi, a nonviolent protest against British salt taxes in colonial India.
Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) - Sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest, this boycott led to the desegregation of public transportation in Montgomery, Alabama.
Greensboro Sit-ins (1960) - Nonviolent protests at segregated lunch counters in North Carolina, which helped to galvanize the Civil Rights Movement.
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963) - A massive rally in Washington, D.C., where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Prague Spring (1968) - A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia that was ultimately suppressed by Soviet forces.
Stonewall Riots (1969) - A series of spontaneous demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
Anti-Vietnam War Protests (1960s-1970s) - A series of protests across the United States and worldwide against the Vietnam War.
Soweto Uprising (1976) - South African students protested against the forced introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction, leading to increased opposition against apartheid.
Solidarity Movement (1980s) - A Polish trade union that organized strikes and protests, ultimately contributing to the fall of communism in Poland.
Tiananmen Square Protests (1989) - Pro-democracy protests in China that were violently suppressed by the Chinese government.
Velvet Revolution (1989) - A nonviolent transition of power in Czechoslovakia, leading to the end of 41 years of communist rule.
Anti-Apartheid Protests (1980s-1990s) - A global movement against apartheid in South Africa, contributing to the eventual dismantling of the system.
Zapatista Uprising (1994) - An indigenous rebellion in Mexico against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Mexican government's treatment of indigenous peoples.
Seattle WTO Protests (1999) - Demonstrations against the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Seattle, which helped to raise awareness about globalization and its impact on workers and the environment.
Million Man March (1995) - A massive gathering of African-American men in Washington, D.C., aimed at promoting unity and family values.
Women's March (2017) - A worldwide protest advocating for women's rights and other social issues, held the day after President Donald Trump's inauguration.
Arab Spring (2010-2012) - A series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across the Arab world, leading to regime changes in several countries.
Occupy Wall Street (2011) - A protest movement against economic inequality and corporate influence on politics, which popularized the phrase "We are the 99%."
Black Lives Matter Protests (2013-present) - A global movement against systemic racism and police violence, sparked by the acquittal of Trayvon Martin's killer.
Umbrella Movement (2014) - Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, in response to proposed electoral reforms by the Chinese government.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Protests (2016) - Protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and environmental activists.
Women's Strike for Equality (1970) - A nationwide protest in the United States demanding equal rights for women in the workforce, education, and politics.
Climate Strikes (2018-present) - Inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, these global protests advocate for urgent action to address climate change and its impacts on the planet.
Yellow Vest Movement (2018-2019) - A grassroots movement in France that began as a protest against fuel tax increases, later expanding to include broader demands for economic justice and government reform.
Belarusian Protests (2020) - A series of protests against election fraud and the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus, calling for new, fair elections and greater political freedoms.