History The Arab Spring Questions
The major events that occurred during the Arab Spring include:
1. Tunisia: The Arab Spring began in December 2010 with the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi. This act sparked widespread protests against unemployment, corruption, and authoritarian rule, leading to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.
2. Egypt: Inspired by the Tunisian revolution, mass protests erupted in Egypt in January 2011, demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. After weeks of demonstrations, Mubarak stepped down in February 2011, marking a significant turning point in the Arab Spring.
3. Libya: Protests against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi began in February 2011. The situation escalated into a full-scale civil war, with NATO intervening to support the opposition forces. Gaddafi was eventually captured and killed in October 2011, leading to the collapse of his regime.
4. Yemen: Demonstrations against President Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule started in early 2011, demanding political reforms and his resignation. The country descended into a prolonged conflict, with various factions vying for power. Saleh eventually stepped down in 2012, but the conflict continued, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
5. Syria: Protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime began in March 2011, initially calling for political reforms. The situation quickly escalated into a brutal civil war, with multiple factions involved, including the rise of extremist groups. The conflict is ongoing, resulting in a massive humanitarian crisis and significant regional and international involvement.
6. Bahrain: Protests erupted in February 2011, with the majority Shia population demanding political reforms and an end to discrimination by the Sunni monarchy. The government responded with a crackdown, aided by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, leading to ongoing unrest and human rights concerns.
These events, along with smaller-scale protests and uprisings in other Arab countries such as Jordan, Morocco, and Algeria, collectively came to be known as the Arab Spring.