The May the Fourth Movement

What was the May the Fourth Movement?

A series of strikes and protests across China

What was the cause of the May the Fourth movement?

• A clause in the Treaty of Versailles

  • Stated that formerly German-controlled land in China would be given to the Japanese

Why were Chinese people angry at this?

• Went against the right to self-determination, which was outlined in the ToV

  • Especially given China had supported the Allies in the war

• Chinese people have a long history of hatred and cruelty at the hands of the Japanese

What did students do in response and when?

• on 4th May 1919, students from Beijing University led a protest to Tiananmen Square

What did they demand in this protest?

Called on the government to resist what they saw as the humiliation of China

• They wanted them to refuse to sign the ToV

• Other protests and strikes followed in other cities

What did the Chinese government do in response?

They felt obliged to listen to their people and refused to sign the ToV

What was the New Tide?

A set of ideas emphasising the importance of freedom, democracy and equal rights.