Arab Spring Timeline Activity

Name______

“Arab Spring” Timeline Activity

Use the Arab Spring Timeline (at www.mrstott.com) to chart key events in the North African countries of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Morocco from the end of 2010 to the end of 2011. Briefly answer each of the following.

1. Explain what happened in Tunisia in December of 2010 which sparked riots and the beginning of a remarkable uprising that became known as the “Arab Spring”? What two things did Tunisia’s president promise to do in reaction to the riots?

2. What happened in Egypt in January of 2011 and how did Egypt’s president, Hosne Mubarek, react to it?

3. What two events took place in January of 2011 in Algeria and why did they take place?

4. What happened in Tunisia on January 14th of 2011 as a result of rioting? How did the dictator of Libya (Gaddafi) react to the rioting in Tunisia?

5. What happened on January 17th of 2011 in Egypt and what earlier event probably inspired this? 6. What are Egyptians demanding during the many riots, strikes, and protest in late January and early February of 2011? Also, what did President Obama demand from Egypt on February 10, 2011?

7. What happened in Algeria on February 12, 2011 and what was its likely cause?

8. What did the President of France promise Tunisia on January 4, 2011?

9. What did the Vice President of Egypt warn Egyptians about and how much money was lost in 9 days?

10. What happened on February 11th in Egypt which caused celebration?

11. What began in Libya on February 16th and what event happened on February 21st which revealed the intentions of Gaddafi?

12. What happened throughout Morocco on February 21, 2011, what changes did the people want there, and how many died?

13. March 7: How did Gaddafi slow down opposition fighters in Libya, how did the United Nations respond to his use of this method? What does Gaddafi think Western countries want from Libya? 14. What did the Algerian government do on March 15th to stop protests and riots?

15. On March 31st, what did Al-Quaida leaders say about the Arab Spring uprisings?

16. What did Egyptians do on March 21st and what was the result?

17. What happened in Morocco on March 20th?

18. What did 100,000 protesters demand on April 8th in Egypt? What did Mubarek deny on April 10th and what happened to him on or before April 13?

19. What did the White House approve of in Libya on April 21st?

20. What personal difficulties happened to Gaddafi on May 2nd 2011 in Libya, then later on May 18th?

21. What happened on May 27th which will likely impact the future of Tunisia and its government? 22. What happened on June 5th in Egypt which will likely impact the future of its government?

23. What happened to the former leader of Tunisia on June 20th?

24. How did Mubarek have to come to court during his trial on August 3rd?

25. Where did Gaddafi’s family escape to on August 29th?

26. Where did rebels in Libya move their government to on August 26th?

27. Where was Gaddafi’s prime minister arrested on September 22nd?

28. What important events happened in Libya on October 16th 20th and 22nd and 25th?

29. What group won the historic election in Tunisia on October 25th?

30. What historic even happened in Tunisia on November 22nd? 31. What was Egypt’s leading party after the long-awaited election and what did it claim to be its top priority on December 1st?

32. What party claimed victory in the Morocco election on November 26th?

33. Who was installed as Tunisia’s new president on December 13th?

34. What groups were still trying to control Libya as of December 17th?

35. What continues to be a problem in Egypt as of December 17th?

General questions for discussion in groups:

36. Based on what you’ve seen above, is the transition from non-democratic governments to democratic institutions easy or hard? Explain your answer.

37. Which North African countries seemed to have an easier time replacing their leaders and moving forward than others? Why might that have been the case? 38. What do you think about the citizens of the countries that had to struggle hard for a new form of government and democracy? Do you admire them or do you think they are crazy? Explain.

39. What was the greatest problem to overcome for the citizens of those countries that struggled?

40. Did events happening in one country impact events in other countries? In what way and why do you think that was the case?

41. Why do you think they call these incredible changes happening throughout the Middle East and North Africa the “Arab Spring”? What various meanings might this term be referring to?