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Mohamed Bouazizi sets himself on fire
On December 17th, 2010, a Tunisian man, Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, set himself on fire outside a local Tunisian government office. “This was in an act of protest after being arrested by police for not having a permit to run a vegetable stall. Street protests in Tunisia begin soon after his death against the country’s regime” (Onion, Sullivan, & Mullen, 2018). This is important because this act of protest inspired other Arab countries to protest for democracy in their countries. -
Tunisian president resigns
On January 14, 2011, authoritarian Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali resigns after 20 years of leadership. He resigned because of street protests against the country’s regime that started in December 2010. This is important because this means that Mohamed Bouazizi has successfully accomplished his goal of changing the country's regime (making the authoritarian president resign because of pressure from the citizens in the country). -
Days of Rage
In February 2011, “Protestors in several predominantly Muslim countries stage “Days of Rage” to oppose authoritarian governments and push for democratic reforms” (Onion, Sullivan, & Mullen, 2018). The countries that protested against their country’s regime were all Arab countries, that is why it is called the Arab Spring (the protests occurred in spring). This is important because now all the Arab countries have realized that authoritarian governments do not provide the people with democracy. -
Egypt's president resigns
On February 11th, 2011, Egypt’s president named Hosni Mubarak steps down after 30 years of ruling the country. He resigned because of the pressure made by the Egyptian protesters that were anti-government protesters. This is important because another authoritarian leader in an Arab country has resigned, meaning a push towards democracy has been made. However, later on, Egypt's leader was still authoritarian. -
Moroccan citizens voted for constitutional change
On July 1st, 2011, Moroccan citizens voted for constitutional change in the country. “King Mohammed VI says will bring democratic reform to his country” (Moroccans Overwhelmingly Approve New Constitution, 2011). This is important because the main goal of the Arab Spring was to change Arab countries’ constitutions to make them more democratic and Morocco managed to succeed in doing that. -
Tunisia holds first democratic parliamentary election
On October 23, 2011, Tunisia has its first democratic parliamentary election. "Millions of Tunisians cast votes for an assembly to draft a constitution and shape a new government" (Kirkpatrick, 2011). This is important because what occurred in Tunisia with Mohamed Bouazizi's protest to a first democratic parliamentary election showed the other Arab countries "how to make a peaceful revolution without icons, without ideology, and how to build a real democracy" (Kirkpatrick, 2011). -
Egypt holds first democratic parliamentary election
On November 28, 2011, Egypt has its first free and fair democratic election for parliament. Later on, Mohamed Morsi becomes president-elect. However, Mohamed Morsi provided the country with more issues. This event is important because after Egypt's president resigned, the country finally achieved its first democratic election (Egypt's revolution), which was the end goal of the Arab Spring (revolt against the present governments).
