Draft:Mass uprising

Mass uprising refers to a large-scale collective movement of people against an existing government, regime, or socio-political order, usually driven by public outrage over authoritarianism, injustice, inequality, or foreign domination. Mass uprisings are typically marked by widespread public participation and aim to bring about fundamental political or structural change.

Characteristics

Mass uprisings may take different forms depending on context and leadership. Common features include:

Nonviolent actions – marches, rallies, sit-ins, civil disobedience
Violent resistance – clashes, riots, sabotage, armed rebellion
Spontaneous or organized efforts, sometimes led by student groups, labor unions, or opposition coalitions
Mobilization through traditional activism or digital platforms (e.g., social media)

Effects

Mass uprisings can result in:

Overthrow of authoritarian regimes
Restoration or establishment of democratic governance
Long-term instability or civil conflict
Emergence of new political forces or constitutions
Increased political awareness and civic engagement

Notable Mass Uprisings Around the World

French Revolution (1789) – France

Popular revolt against monarchy and feudal privilege
Led to abolition of monarchy, rise of republicanism, and modern political ideals

Russian Revolution (1917) – Russia

Overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II amid war and poverty
Paved the way for the Soviet Union and communist rule

Iranian Revolution (1979) – Iran

Islamic uprising against Western-backed monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini

Tiananmen Square Protests (1989) – China

Student-led movement demanding democratic reforms
Crushed by military force; thousands killed or arrested

Arab Spring (2010–2012) – Middle East and North Africa

A wave of pro-democracy uprisings across Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and others
Brought down long-standing dictators; civil wars ensued in several states

Hong Kong Protests (2019) – Hong Kong

Mass mobilization against China’s political influence and legal control
Protests involved millions and were met with police crackdowns

Sri Lankan Uprising (2022) – Sri Lanka

Triggered by economic collapse, inflation, and fuel shortages
Massive protests led to resignation and flight of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Belarus Protests (2020) – Belarus

Protests against alleged electoral fraud by President Alexander Lukashenko
Met with violent suppression and mass arrests

Sudanese Revolution (2018–2019) – Sudan

Civil uprising against economic crisis and authoritarian rule
President Omar al-Bashir ousted after 30 years in power

Myanmar Protests (2021) – Myanmar

Public resistance to military coup and detention of Aung San Suu Kyi
Brutal crackdowns and ongoing armed resistance

People Power Revolution (1986) – Philippines

Peaceful protests that overthrew President Ferdinand Marcos
Marked restoration of democracy and end of dictatorship

In Bangladesh

Bangladesh has witnessed several major mass uprisings that reshaped its political history.

1969 Mass Uprising

A popular movement against the military dictatorship of Ayub Khan in then East Pakistan
Led by students and workers, demanding democracy and autonomy
Played a key role in the subsequent independence movement of Bangladesh

1990 Mass Uprising

Nationwide protests against military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad
Triggered by student-led coalitions and supported by major political parties
Forced Ershad to resign, restoring parliamentary democracy

2024 Mass Uprising

A nationwide uprising in Bangladesh against the long-standing authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Triggered by years of election fraud, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of opposition, large-scale corruption, and perceived subservience to foreign influence (especially India)
Led primarily by students, young activists, and the general public
Over 2000 reportedly killed in brutal crackdowns
Resulted in the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government and the formation of a transitional administration
Marked the beginning of efforts to establish a "Second Republic" based on democratic reforms

References

BBC World Service archives
Human Rights Watch reports
Amnesty International publications
“Mass Uprisings and Political Change,” Journal of Comparative Politics
Global Voices reports on civic movements
The Economist: “The Fall of Strongmen” (2022)