THE TUNISIAN REVOLUTION

Bilel GdouraPeriod 2

Located in the northern tip of Africa.

Notice how Tunisia is relatively close to other countries encountering revolutions such as Egypt and Lybia.

Map

• Borders Algeria and Libya

• Borders the Mediterranean

Sea

• Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, is

located in the northern

part of Tunisia.Where I’m from!

Demographics Age:

0–14 years: 23.2% (male 1,246,105/female 1,167,379) 15–64 years: 69.7% (male 3,638,062/female 3,595,254) 65 years and over: 7.1% (male 345,590/female 391,187)

Race: 0-15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15–64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

Relgion: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Ethnic Groups/Race: Arab-Berbers 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Birth Rate: 15.42 births/1,000 population

Death Rate: 5.2 deaths/1,000 population

Dependent

s!

What started the Tunisian Revolution?

Al Bouazizi, a poor 26-year old Tunisian, was unable to find a job after completing college. He refused to join the Tunisian army, and instead started a small business as a street vendor, selling fruits and vegetables to support his own family. His work was halted by an officer seizing Al Bouazizi’s goods claiming that Al Bouazizi was illegally selling goods without a necessary permit. Outraged, Al Bouazizi began to complain and protest, however, the government never took his criticism to consideration. He then decided to set himself in fire in front of the government building, which ultimately sparked the beginning of the Tunisian Revolution.

Leader 2nd president of Tunisia In office from November 7, 1987

to January 14, 2011 That’s approximately 23

years! Assumed presidency on

November 7, 1987 after bloodless coup d’ etat that ousted President Habib Bourghiba.

Was subsequently reelected with enormous majorities exceeding 90% each time

Charged for money laundering and drug trafficing.

Him and his wife were sentenced in absentia for 35 years in prison.

Similarities

The Americans and the Tunisians both fought in their own country.

The people in both revolutions had to face superior technology/artillery.

Both revolutions were fought for the right to self-govern (democracy).

Differences

TUNISIAN REVOLUTION AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Protested to oust the President after brutal tyrannical rule.

Unlike the Americans during the 1770s, the Tunisians used social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter as a means of communicating Planned events

through the use of social networking sites

Protested in order to be represented by the English Parliament

Transmitted ideas and news to the public by the use of the media (newspaper) or by physical transportation Paul Revere

Where is Tunisia heading?

As a result of the revolution, Tunisia seems to be heading to the right direction. Tunisia only recently held an election last week to select a new president. Furthermore, to appeal to the citizens of Tunisia, the candidates of the election all vowed to fulfill one elusive goal: a moderate, modern Muslim nation where Islamic principles can co-exist with.

Works Cited

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/01/2011126121815985483.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15442859 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-midea

st/in-tunisia-a-landmark-vote-follows-a-historic-revolution/article2212311/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12196679 http://articles.cnn.com/2011-01-16/world/tunisia.fruit.selle

r.bouazizi_1_tunisian-history-street-vendor-police-officer?_s=PM:WORLD