Image for May Fourth Movement

May Fourth Movement

The May Fourth Movement was a cultural and political protest that began on May 4, 1919, in China. It emerged in response to the Treaty of Versailles, which granted Japanese control over territories previously held by Germany, angering many Chinese who felt betrayed by their government. The movement combined nationalism and calls for modernization, promoting science, democracy, and the rejection of traditional Confucian values. It involved student activism and sparked broader discussions about China's future, ultimately laying the groundwork for the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and influencing modern Chinese identity and politics.