Students have long been at the forefront of political and social change, their youthful energy and idealism often driving movements that reshape societies. Recent protests in Bangladesh, led by students, brought down the government of Sheikh Hasina, serving as a stark reminder of the enduring power of student activism. This article examines eight significant student-led movements that have left an indelible mark on global history, demonstrating how students, armed with passion and a sense of justice, have challenged established power structures and brought about positive change.
Vietnam War Protests (United States)
During the 1960s and early 1970s, American students spearheaded a powerful anti-war movement against US involvement in the Vietnam War. Through teach-ins, sit-ins, and campus shutdowns, students mobilized public opinion, targeting both the Johnson and Nixon administrations and companies like Dow Chemicals that profited from the war. Their unwavering opposition galvanized anti-war sentiment across the country, contributing significantly to the US withdrawal from Vietnam in 1973.
Soweto Uprising (South Africa)
In June 1976, South African students rose up against the oppressive apartheid system, protesting the unequal and substandard education provided to Black students. The brutal police crackdown on the students in Soweto sparked widespread anti-apartheid demonstrations and international condemnation, ultimately playing a crucial role in dismantling the apartheid regime and paving the way for a democratic South Africa.
Velvet Revolution (Czech Republic/Former Czechoslovakia)
In 1989, students in Prague, commemorating the 50th anniversary of an anti-Nazi protest, shifted their focus to challenging the oppressive communist government. Their peaceful demonstrations, initially met with police repression, ignited a powerful wave of dissent that ultimately forced the communist leadership to resign, leading to a peaceful transition to democracy in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Umbrella Movement (Hong Kong)
In 2019, Hong Kong students spearheaded protests against a proposed extradition bill that would have expanded extradition to mainland China, raising concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and human rights. Their unwavering resistance, symbolized by the iconic yellow umbrellas, successfully pressured the administration to suspend the bill, highlighting the deep-seated anxieties about growing Chinese Communist Party influence in Hong Kong.
Jasmine Revolution/Arab Spring (Tunisia)
The 2010-2011 protests in Tunisia, triggered by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor protesting police harassment and corruption, saw significant student involvement. These demonstrations, fueled by a collective desire for change and social justice, led to the ousting of the authoritarian leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, marking the beginning of the Arab Spring. Tunisia stands as a testament to the power of student activism, as it remains the most successful of these uprisings, transitioning to a democratic republic.
Euromaidan (Ukraine)
In November 2013, students in Kyiv took to the streets to protest President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to abandon an EU-Ukraine Association Agreement in favor of closer ties with Russia. Their activism, fueled by a strong desire for closer ties with the European Union, involved setting up barricades and tents in Independence Square, known as Maidan. This peaceful resistance, known as Euromaidan, ultimately led to Yanukovych’s ouster and a new political direction for Ukraine, aligning the country more closely with the West.
Sunflower Movement (Taiwan)
In 2014, Taiwanese students and civil society groups engaged in a landmark protest against a trade agreement with China, fearing it would lead to economic harm and undermine Taiwanese sovereignty. Their occupation of the Legislative Yuan, symbolized by the sunflower, marked a historic protest that successfully led to the shelving of the trade pact and exerted a significant influence on the 2016 Taiwanese elections, resulting in the victory of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.
Aragalaya Protests (Sri Lanka)
In 2022, Sri Lankan students played a key role in the Aragalaya protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s economic mismanagement and corruption. The demonstrations, fueled by a deep sense of frustration and economic hardship, led to Rajapaksa’s departure and the formation of an interim government under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. While broader political reforms have yet to be achieved, the Aragalaya protests demonstrate the power of student activism in challenging authoritarianism and advocating for social and economic justice.
These eight student-led movements offer a compelling testament to the enduring power of youth in driving political change. They highlight the role students play in challenging oppressive regimes, advocating for human rights, and shaping a more just and equitable future. From the streets of Prague to the squares of Kyiv, students have demonstrated their capacity to mobilize public opinion, challenge authority, and inspire lasting change.
