Top 10 Biggest Protests of All Time

Throughout history, protests have served as powerful catalysts for change, influencing laws, shaping societies, and leaving indelible marks on the world stage. These gatherings which start by seeking justice and a desire for better conditions, demonstrate the impact of collective human action to a purpose. 

While not every major protest leads to immediate change, their influence often extends far beyond their original goals. These movements leave enduring impressions on societies, sparking new waves of activism around the globe and inspiring generations to come.

Here are the biggest protests of all time, showcasing moments when people came together to voice their demands, sometimes altering the course of history.

The Salt March (1930)

Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the Salt March was a nonviolent protest against British colonial rule in India. Starting in March 1930, Gandhi and thousands of followers marched to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt, defying British taxation. The march was a critical moment in the Indian independence movement and showcased the strength of nonviolent resistance.

France in May (1968)

The May 1968 protests in France started with student demonstrations and evolved into a vast social movement involving workers and intellectuals. The demands for educational and labor reforms led to significant societal and political shifts within France, illustrating the power of collective action in challenging the status quo.

Earth Day (1970)

The first Earth Day was a pioneering event that mobilized millions of Americans to advocate for environmental safeguards. This protest played a pivotal role in the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of critical environmental legislation. It marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement, emphasizing the planet’s health as a priority for legislative action.

People’s Protest (1986)

The EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippines showcased the strength of non-violent protest. Millions of Filipinos came together to demand the end of Ferdinand Marcos’s authoritarian regime. This four-day uprising was filled with prayers, songs, and unity, culminating in Marcos fleeing the country and a return to democratic governance under Corazon Aquino.

The Baltic Way (1989)

The Baltic Way was a peaceful political demonstration that featured approximately two million people forming a human chain through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This act of solidarity was a powerful plea for independence from Soviet rule, commemorating the harsh impacts of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The Baltic states’ quest for sovereignty was ultimately successful, highlighting the effectiveness of nonviolent protest.

Tiananmen Square (1989)

The Tiananmen Square protests are perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching in modern history. What started as a student-led demonstration for democratic reforms in Beijing escalated into a widespread movement. The Chinese government’s brutal crackdown in June 1989 ended the protests violently, leaving a lasting scar on China’s human rights record.

Anti-Iraq War Protests (2003)

On February 15, 2003, the world witnessed one of the largest coordinated protests in history. Millions across continents voiced their opposition to the planned U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Major cities saw huge gatherings of people united in their skepticism of the war’s justification. This global act of dissent played a significant role in shaping public opinion and political debates about the war.

Women’s March (2017)

The Women’s March of January 21, 2017, was a worldwide mobilization that occurred the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. It became one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history, with millions advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality. The march didn’t just protest; it celebrated diversity and set the stage for many participants to become activists in their own right.

George Floyd and Black Lives Matter (2020)

The tragic death of George Floyd under a police officer’s knee ignited a worldwide outcry against racial injustice and police brutality. The Black Lives Matter movement, already active, gained unprecedented momentum as millions across the globe took to the streets in solidarity. This uprising not only honored Floyd but also reignited a crucial dialogue on systemic racism, sparking efforts to reform policing practices in numerous countries.

Indian Farmers Protest (2020-2021)

In late 2020, India was swept by massive protests after the government passed three controversial farm bills. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh spearheaded the resistance, fearing that the new laws favored big corporations over small landholders. The sit-ins and rallies, particularly at the Delhi border, captured global attention, eventually pressuring the government to repeal the laws by November 2021.