8.2 Origins and goals of the May Fourth Movement

The May Fourth Movement erupted in 1919 when China's hopes at the Paris Peace Conference were dashed. Students and intellectuals led protests against foreign imperialism and traditional Chinese culture, demanding sovereignty and modernization.

Western ideas heavily influenced the movement. Activists embraced democracy, science, and individual rights while rejecting Confucian values. They promoted vernacular Chinese, women's rights, and critical thinking to transform Chinese society.

The May Fourth Movement: Origins, Goals, and Influences

Spark of May Fourth Movement

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• Decision at Paris Peace Conference to transfer German concessions in Shandong to Japan sparked outrage
  • Seen as betrayal of China's sovereignty and continuation of foreign imperialism
• Initial objectives protested unfair treatment of China at Paris Peace Conference
  • Demanded Chinese government refuse to sign Versailles Treaty
  • Called for boycott of Japanese goods and resignation of pro-Japanese officials

Students' role in movement

• Students and intellectuals primary driving force behind May Fourth Movement
  • Organized mass demonstrations, strikes, and boycotts to pressure government and raise public awareness
• Intellectuals (Chen Duxiu, Hu Shih) used writings to spread new ideas and criticize traditional Chinese culture
  • Advocated for adoption of Western concepts (democracy, science, individualism)
• Students from Peking University and other institutions crucial in mobilizing masses and leading protests

Demands of May Fourth activists

• Political demands sought to end foreign imperialism and restore China's sovereignty
  • Establish democratic political system and constitution
  • Abolish unequal treaties imposed on China by foreign powers
• Social and cultural demands rejected traditional Confucian values and embraced modernity
  • Promoted use of vernacular Chinese (baihua) in literature and education
  • Advocated for women's rights and gender equality
  • Encouraged critical thinking and scientific inquiry

Western influences on movement

• May Fourth Movement heavily influenced by Western ideas and philosophies
  • Democracy: Activists sought to establish democratic political system and promote individual rights and freedoms
  • Science: Intellectuals emphasized importance of scientific thinking and empirical evidence in modernizing China
• Movement also drew inspiration from other Western ideologies
  • Marxism: Some activists (Li Dazhao) began exploring socialist and communist ideas as solution to China's problems
  • Liberalism: Thinkers (Hu Shih) promoted liberal values (individual liberty, free expression)
• New Culture Movement, which preceded and overlapped with May Fourth Movement, focused on introducing Western ideas and reforming Chinese culture