11 Days that Shook a Nation

It began with the "Day of Wrath" -- Jan. 25th.

"Police clashed today with about 10,000 demonstrators who want President Mubarak out," reported CBS News anchor Katie Couric.

Long-smoldering anger and resentment ignited in the streets. The police tried to beat back the protesters, firing rubber bullets and tear gas. But as the uprising reached a fourth day it became clear: Mubarak's three-decade long rule would be torn apart.

"We don't want Mubarak anymore," shouted one protester on Jan. 28. "Go, leave, out of Egypt!"

A day later, "the Egyptian government tries to stop the protesters by shutting down the Internet and cell phones," reported CBS News correspondent Russ Mitchell, -- the same technology that provided a match for the tinderbox.

In June, a young man named Khaled Said was beaten and killed by police. His image, posted on Facebook, inspired a movement.

Complete Coverage: Anger in the Arab World
Live Blog: Egypt in Crisis, Day 11

"All of us are Khaled Said because we can face or we might face the same destiny at any point in time," said one of the movement's supporters.

In a country where free speech is severely restricted, one photo spoke volumes, inspiring the people to make their voices heard.

"The Egyptian people are segregated and separated from the people who make decision," said a protester. "The Egyptian people are strangers in their own country."

Under enormous pressure, Hosni Mubarak appointed a vice president for the first time ever. It didn't satisfy the crowds that began pouring into in the aptly-named Liberation Square.

"It's 1:30 in the morning here in Cairo and yet they're still out there," said CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman on Jan. 29. "Thousands of protesters defying curfew and even defying soldiers in tanks."

A new day was dawning in an ancient city.

"The people have declared this essentially a Mubarak-free zone," said CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer on Jan. 31. "This is the only place in Egypt where there is true freedom of expression."

They gathered peacefully, but with steely resolve. What began as a youth movement became a revolution.

"Tonight thousands of Egyptians, men and women, young and old, rich and poor stand shoulder to shoulder in Cairo," reported CBS News anchor Katie Couric.

The atmosphere here is like a turbo charged street festival, a somewhat raucous display of civilized disobedience.

In a speech to the nation, Mubarak said he would not seek re-election in September and would oversee a peaceful transition of power.

"It's not enough. It's not enough. He has to get out now," shouted protesters on Feb. 1.

"If President Mubarak thought last night's announcement was going to restore stability, apparently it's done quite the opposite," reported Couric on Feb. 2.

By day nine, Mubarak supporters, some of whom were government workers and others police out of uniform, descended on the square.

"They came with pieces of machinery, they came with rocks, they came with knives and they came to try to clear Tahrir Square of the anti-government supporters who have started fighting back but were bloodied in the beginning. It is mayhem down there," reported Marie Colvin of the Sunday Times.

It became more violent by 4 a.m. as forces loyal to Mubarak tried to sweep the square of any anti-government protesters -- by any means necessary.

Tonight Hosni Mubarak remains in power, but support for him erodes more everyday.

"He needs to listen to what's being voiced by the Egyptian people," said one pro-democracy supporter.

The bloodied Egyptian flag tells an age-old story of a nation's people: Red stands for bravery. White, for peace. And black for determination.