The 1989 protests refer to a series of demonstrations that took place in various countries, most notably in China and Eastern Europe. In China, the protests were centered in Tiananmen Square, where thousands of students and citizens gathered to demand political reform, freedom of speech, and an end to government corruption. The movement gained significant attention but was met with a violent crackdown by the government in June. In Eastern Europe, the protests were part of a broader wave of anti-communist movements. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and East Germany saw citizens demanding democratic reforms and greater freedoms. These protests ultimately contributed to the fall of communist regimes across the region, leading to significant political changes by the end of 1989.