The May 4th Movement IGCSE Depth Study Historyt

Igcse history china

1. The May 4
th

Movement
• What was the May 4
th
Movement?
• Why is it so significant in the
History of China in the Twentieth
Century?

2. Background
In 1917 China declared War on Germany
Why?
1.Believed that they would be able to claim
concessions in Shandong Province back
from Germany
2.To earn a new self-respect for China
3.France and Britain needed the manpower
4.Strategically important

3. China in World War One
• About 100,000 men were sent to Europe
• They were used as auxiliary helpers eg
Mechanics, labourers, digging trenches,
stretcher bearers etc
• Tension between Chinese and Europeans
• Money sent home
• 2,000 Chinese workers killed

4. The Treaty of Versailles
•China has high hopes
•30
th
April 1919 - German concessions to
be given to Japan instead of China
following a secret Treaty of 1917
•Plus Chinese premier Duan Qirui
(resigned Oct 1918) had made a deal with
Japan
•Triggers mass protest from Chinese
around the world
•Disgusted at double dealing West

5. The May 4
th
Movement
•4
th
May 1919 Violent Protests in Beijing,
Shanghai and other major cities

6. •3000 students from Beijing University and
others march to the Imperial Palace
•Demonstrate against foreign powers
especially Japan
•Set fire to Minister of Communications’
house
•Beat up foreigners and government
minister
•32 students arrested, 1 student died
The May 4th Movement

7. •Protests spread to Shanghai and other cities
•14
th
May Government bans meetings of
students
•19
th
May students in universities and schools
call a General strike and boycott of Japanese
goods
•5
th
June strikes spread to Wuhan, Ji’nan and
other cities and includes businessmen and
workers showing support for students
The May 4th Movement

8. •Demonstrators now calling for resignation
of pro-Japanese government officials
•10
th
June – Government fired Rulin and
Zhang Zongxiang
•12
th
June – demonstrators celebrate
•28
th
June – Treaty of Versailles signed.
Shandong provinces given to Japan
The May 4th Movement

9. •Gave a direction to radicals and revolutionaries
opposed to foreign imperialism
•The membership of the Movement
•The influence of the Russian Revolution in 1917
•Many turned to Marxism and Communism
•1921 Chinese Communist Party formed
•Anti-foreigner demonstrations continued
throughout the 1920s
Why is the May 4th Movement so
important?