Umbrella Movement facts for kids
The Umbrella Movement (Chinese: 雨傘運動) was a series of large protests that happened in Hong Kong in 2014. People gathered to ask for more democracy and a bigger say in how their leaders were chosen. They wanted Hong Kong to have more control over its own government, separate from China.
Contents
What Was the Umbrella Movement?
The Umbrella Movement was a peaceful protest movement. It started in September 2014 and lasted for 79 days. Thousands of people, including many students, took part. They occupied major roads and areas in Hong Kong.
Why Did People Protest?
People in Hong Kong were worried about how their leaders were chosen. They wanted to be able to vote for their chief executive (the leader of Hong Kong) directly. This is called "universal suffrage." Before the protests, China had announced rules for the next election that many people felt were not fair. They believed these rules would not allow true democracy.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The movement got its name because protesters used umbrellas. They used them to protect themselves from the sun and rain. They also used umbrellas to block pepper spray and tear gas used by the police. The umbrella became a powerful symbol of peaceful resistance.
Key Moments of the Movement
The protests began when students started a boycott of classes. They gathered to protest the election rules. Soon, many more people joined them. The main protest sites were in Admiralty, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok. These areas are usually very busy, but protesters set up camps there.
Life in the Protest Zones
Inside the protest areas, people created small communities. They had supply stations for food and water. There were also first-aid tents and recycling stations. People even set up study areas for students. The mood was mostly peaceful, with many discussions and art displays.
The Umbrella Man
One famous image from the protests is "The Umbrella Man." This picture shows a protester holding an umbrella against a cloud of tear gas. It became a symbol of courage and standing up for what you believe in.
What Happened After?
The Umbrella Movement ended after 79 days. The government did not agree to the protesters' demands for full democracy. However, the movement brought a lot of attention to Hong Kong's political situation. It also encouraged many young people to become more involved in politics.
Images for kids
-
People in London supported the Hong Kong protests on 1 October 2014.
-
Volunteers set up a recycling station in the protest area.
-
The Umbrella Man, a famous image from the protests.
-
Umbrella art displayed between two footbridges.
-
A large umbrella art installation on Tim Mei Avenue.
-
Nathan Law, Joshua Wong, and Alex Chow (left to right) at the High Court in 2017.
-
A march in 2017 to support Hong Kong activists.
.jpg)
