Question

Why did soldiers attack protestors around Tiananmen Square?

Answer 1

They were ordered to by the Chinese government.

Explanation:

With the introduction of economic reforms, after the death of Mao, came increasing demands for political reforms. Thousands camped in Tiananmen Square demanding such changes.

Their demands however were too much for the Chinese leader Deng Xiao Ping. Although he himself had been a victim of Mao's purges during the Cultural Revolution in the 60's and had led the reformers in their defeat of the radicals after Mao's death, he had no intention of accepting such demands for democratic, political reform.

As a consequence Deng sent in the army crushing the opposition and clearing the square. Thousands were killed or wounded.