12 Protests from the Past That Changed the World
These 12 historic protests weren’t just loud — they moved the needle of history and reshaped society.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Certain protests have propelled mankind ahead in strong and memorable ways. These rallies sparked changes and gave voice to the voiceless. Here are 12 moments throughout history where collective action altered the path of events.
1. The March on Washington (1963)
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More than 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., demanding civil and economic rights for Black Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech became a symbol of hope and equality.
2. Tiananmen Square Protests (1989)
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Chinese students gathered in Beijing to demand democratic reforms and freedom of speech. The movement ended in tragedy when the military opened fire, killing hundreds. The image of “Tank Man” standing alone still resonates worldwide.
3. The Salt March (1930)
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Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this 240-mile trek was a peaceful protest against British salt taxes in India. It rallied global support for Indian independence. Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance inspired civil rights leaders around the world.
4. The Stonewall Uprising (1969)
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When police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City, the LGBTQ+ community fought back. The riots lasted several days and lit the fuse for the modern gay rights movement. Pride parades trace their roots to this pivotal moment.
5. Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa (1948–1994)
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Years of protests, boycotts, and international pressure helped dismantle South Africa’s brutal apartheid regime. Figures like Nelson Mandela became global icons of resistance.
6. Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C. (1913)
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Over 5,000 women marched the day before President Wilson’s inauguration to demand the right to vote. They faced violence and harassment but didn’t back down. The spectacle drew national attention.
7. Berlin Wall Protests (1989)
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Citizens in East Germany took to the streets demanding freedom of movement and political reform. Their persistent, peaceful demonstrations helped bring down the Berlin Wall.
8. The Arab Spring (2010–2012)
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A wave of protests swept across the Middle East and North Africa, demanding democracy and human rights. Triggered by the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor, it toppled multiple regimes.
9. The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956)
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Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat, the boycott lasted over a year. It crippled the city’s public transportation system economically.
10. The Velvet Revolution (1989)
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In Czechoslovakia, peaceful protesters demanded an end to communist rule. Within weeks, the government collapsed with barely a shot fired. Playwright-turned-activist Václav Havel became president.
11. The Bonus Army March (1932)
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Thousands of World War I veterans marched on Washington to demand early bonus payments during the Great Depression. The government’s violent response shocked the nation. Though the protest failed initially, it influenced future veteran benefits.
12. Black Lives Matter Protests (2013–Present)
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Launched in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s killer, the movement gained traction worldwide after George Floyd’s death. Marches erupted in all 50 states and across multiple continents. BLM has shifted the national conversation on race, policing, and justice.