On August 4, 2020, an explosion rocked Beirut, Lebanon. A massive mushroom cloud blossomed in the sky. Shock waves rippled across the city, shattering windows, collapsing buildings, and sending people running for their lives. To many around the world, this explosion and news that it was the result of government mismanagement came as a devastating surprise. However, for the Lebanese people, the explosion instilled anger, not surprise. In fact, for many, government mismanagement was the least surprising part of the incident. Understanding the protests that erupted in the following weeks, then, requires an understanding of the events that set the stage for the August 4 disaster.