How Facebook changed the world: The Arab Spring
What ignited the
revolution in Tunisia in December 2010(02.31)
The revolution in Tunisia in December 2010 was primarily ignited by the self-immolation of a street vendor
named Mohamed Bouazizi. Bouazizi set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in protest against the
confiscation of his vegetable cart and harassment by local authorities. This act of desperation and protest
against injustice resonated deeply with the Tunisian people, especially the youth, who were already
frustrated with high unemployment, government corruption, and lack of political freedoms under the rule
of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Bouazizi’s act became a symbol of resistance and sparked widespread protests across Tunisia. The
demonstrations grew into a larger movement demanding political change, social justice, and an end to
authoritarian rule. The momentum of these protests eventually led to the ousting of President Ben Ali in
January 2011, marking the beginning of the Arab Spring—a series of uprisings and protests across several
countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Why did the young man commit suicide?
What happened next?
What tool was in every protester’s pockets?
How was the unrest reported by Tunisian media?
What did the police do to people who were filming the protests?
How did people share the filming of the unrest with people outside Tunisia?
What ignited the
revolution in Tunisia in December 2010(02.31)
The revolution in Tunisia in December 2010 was primarily ignited by the self-immolation of a street vendor
named Mohamed Bouazizi. Bouazizi set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in protest against the
confiscation of his vegetable cart and harassment by local authorities. This act of desperation and protest
against injustice resonated deeply with the Tunisian people, especially the youth, who were already
frustrated with high unemployment, government corruption, and lack of political freedoms under the rule
of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Bouazizi’s act became a symbol of resistance and sparked widespread protests across Tunisia. The
demonstrations grew into a larger movement demanding political change, social justice, and an end to
authoritarian rule. The momentum of these protests eventually led to the ousting of President Ben Ali in
January 2011, marking the beginning of the Arab Spring—a series of uprisings and protests across several
countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Why did the young man commit suicide?
What happened next?
What tool was in every protester’s pockets?
How was the unrest reported by Tunisian media?
What did the police do to people who were filming the protests?
How did people share the filming of the unrest with people outside Tunisia?
