To what extent were the aims of the Tiananmen Square demonstrators achieved?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the assumption in the question that the aims of the Tiananmen Square demonstrators might have been achieved. They may fully agree, partially agree or disagree with this assumption. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that outlines the events leading to the Tiananmen Square demonstration, and the aftermath, and which then reflects on whether the aims of the demonstrators were achieved. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and identify factors such as the demands for liberal democracy as a “Fifth Modernization”, the tensions within the Politburo and the harsh treatment of dissidents. Candidates may argue that economic reforms transformed the lives of many Chinese, but political change was not achievable.