The goal of the students during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 was to advocate for political reform, democracy, and greater personal freedoms in China. Initially ignited by calls for political transparency and the end of corruption, the movement saw thousands gather at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, demanding recognition of human rights and democratic reforms from the Communist Party. The protests also addressed issues such as economic inequality and inflation. Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, the government’s violent crackdown on June 4, 1989, highlighted the regime's intolerance of dissent, ultimately leading to severe repression and a suppression of civil liberties in China.