Occupy Wall Street: A 10-Year Retrospective
The Rise of the Occupy Movement
The Occupy movement emerged in 2011 as an expression of widespread discontent with social and economic inequality. The movement's origins can be traced to the Arab Spring uprisings and the subsequent global protests against austerity measures.
Occupy Wall Street
On September 17, 2011, the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement began as a protest against the influence of corporate interests in politics and the financial sector. The movement quickly spread to other cities and countries, becoming a global phenomenon.
The OWS movement's rallying cry, "We are the 99%," highlighted the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the rest of the population. The movement demanded an end to corporate greed, financial speculation, and the erosion of workers' rights.
On November 15, 2011, police dispersed the OWS occupation of Zuccotti Park in New York City using pepper spray. The eviction sparked widespread outrage and further galvanized the movement.
The Occupy movement may have ended in its original form, but its legacy continues to shape political discourse today. The movement's themes of economic inequality, corporate accountability, and grassroots activism remain relevant in an era marked by rising economic disparities and a growing distrust of institutions.
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