Since 13 May 1989, students demonstrating for democratic reforms had occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The government warned that it would not tolerate the "social chaos". After it had in vain tried to persuade the protesters to leave, on June 3 and 4 the answer came rumbling through the streets. Tanks moved into the square from several directions and many hundreds of unarmed protesters and civilians were killed by the Chinese Army.
The IISH has a unique and extensive collection about the Chinese people's movement. It was collected by the participants in the events in Beijing and in other major Chinese cities, with the assistance of IISH staff on the spot. Pamphlets, photographs, newspapers, tapes, banners and other objects were brought to safety in Amsterdam.