2014 Hong Kong protests

The 2014 Hong Kong protests, known as the Umbrella Movement, were large-scale demonstrations demanding greater democratic freedom. Many Hong Kong residents wanted open, fair elections for their leader, but the Chinese government proposed a candidate vetting process they saw as restrictive. In response, thousands of protesters occupied parts of Hong Kong, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas and pepper spray. The movement highlighted tensions between Hong Kong's desire for democratic autonomy and China's efforts to control the region. While the protests lasted weeks, they ultimately did not achieve their goal of free leadership elections, but they drew significant international attention to Hong Kong's political future.