Focus 5/1 Throughout history political revolutions have created change and influenced history. Some examples took place in France, Russia, Cuba, and Iran. Starting in 2010, Arab nations in the Middle East went through a series of revolutions. Sparked by social media, these events became known as the Arab Spring. Point for Discussion: What causes a political revolution?

Arab Spring

Islam Islam Founder: God: Holy Book: 5 Pillars: Holy Cities: Divisions:

Arab Spring Arab Spring is a period that began in Tunisia in December 2010, when a college educated street vendor set himself on fire to show his frustration with the government and police

Arab Spring Arab Spring – protestors call for democratic changes spread across Middle East via social media and Internet

Arab Spring Tunisia First Uprising Elected moderate Islamic Government

Arab Spring Egypt Social media plays huge role President Mubarak resigns Presidential Elections were scheduled Huge influence on other Middle Eastern countries

Arab Spring Libya Feb 2011, protestors hold “Day of Rage” against brutal dictatorship of Muammar Qaddafi Qaddafi uses heavy military weapons against protestors Qaddafi killed

Arab Spring Syria Begins March 2011 Demonstrators demand more freedom Violence used against demonstrators Refugees begin to flee Chemical Weapons used on protestors?

Arab Spring Yemen Poorest Arab country Divisions between North and South South Yemen is home to branch of terrorist group Al Queda