China Before 1927 Flashcards
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Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919
It occurred because it was a reaction against the unfair treatment of China by Western powers during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. China had hoped to address the issues of territorial concessions such as occupation of Fujian province by the Japanese and also included the transfer of Germany’s rights in the Shandong province to Japan. made to Japan during World War 1 especially because they had sent over hundred thousand labourers to Europe.
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 2
However, despite China’s efforts the conference ignored its claims and upheld Japan’s control over the region. This decision had deeply angered the Chinese people and sparked protests. The May 4th movement emerged as a direct response to this perceived injustice as they saw the western powers’ actions as a clear example of imperialism and a violation of China’s national dignity. The Chinese people already had a distaste for imperialism due to the Qing Dynasty which had ended in 1911 after the Wuhan uprising.
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 4
The Chinese felt that their country’s sovereignty and interests were being disregarded by the western powers. It was seen as a betrayal of China’s sacrifices during the war such as France recruiting 37,000 Chinese workers, while the United Kingdom took in 94,500. shipping out thousands of men to Britain, France And Russia. Those labourers would repair tanks, assemble shells, transport supplies and munitions, help to literally reshape the war’s battle sites
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 5
Additionally, it was seen as continuation of the unequal treaties imposed on the country in the past such as the treaty of Nanking in 1842 and the treaty of Tianjin in June 1858. Due to this, participants demanded that the Chinese government reject the decision made at the Paris Peace Conference and stand up against foreign domination.
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 6
Another cause for the May 4th movement was because of the growing sense of nationalism and political reform in China. The students involved in the movement had been catalysts for change who advocated for political reforms and who had eventually become members of the CCP party that was formed in 1921. The movement had a profound impact on Chinese society and politics, this was because the Chinese people, particularly the younger generation, felt a strong desire to assert their national identity and stand up against foreign dominance.
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 7
The movement also saw the emergence of influential intellectuals like Chen Dixiu who argued that for China to leave its Confucian values which had only caused rebellions such as the Boxer Revolt in 1901 that China needed democracy and science. The May 4th movement had also been driven by the desire for political reform. The Chinese government at the time was seen as weak and corrupt, unable to effectively address the country’s problems and protect its interests.
Reasons for the May 4th movement on 4th May 1919 pt 8
The Chinese government at the time was seen as weak and corrupt, unable to effectively address the country’s problems and protect its interests. The students and intellectuals leading the movement advocated for nationalism and democracy so that China would become modernised and regain their sovereignty, especially after losing the First -Sino Japanese war in 1895 China had long been subjected to foreign imperialism which deeply undermined its sovereignty and national pride. This is why due to the movement’s emphasis on these issues led to the establishment of the People’s republic of China in 1949.
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles
One factor was because of the political and social situation at the time Sun Yat Sen established the 3 principles. Politically China was under foreign domination and influence as European powers along with Japan established spheres of influence and rights within China which greatly undermined its sovereignty. This foreign control not only restricted China’s ability to govern itself but also led to unequal treaties and economic exploitations. This is why Sun Yat Sen wanted to the establish the principle of nationalism so that China would become independent and respected by foreign nations but also for China to become a strong nation again.
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles pt 2
Internally, China was also being plagued by political instability and fragmentation after the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 after the Wuhan uprising that led to the Warlord era from 1916-1928. As a result regional warlords like Zhang Zuolin ,Zhang Zongchang , Wu peifu emerged, leading to conflict and disunity within the country, due to a lack of authority in the central government which led to corruption and inefficiency. This is why Sun Yat Sen wanted to establish the principle of democracy so that people could elect their own leaders instead of being controlled by dynasties or warlords.
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles pt 3
Socially China faced widespread poverty,inequality and social injustice. The majority of the population lived in dire conditions, with limited access to education, healthcare and basic necessities. Sun Yat Sen recognised the urgent need to address these social issues which is why he established the third principle of the people’s livelihood summary in response to the political and social challenges China faced he developed these 3 principles as a way to tackle them.
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles pt 4
Another factor was because of Sun Yat Sen’s exposure to western ideas and concepts. Sun Yat sen’s time in the west made him advocate for the first principle of nationalism which aimed to unite the people and restore China’s sovereignty after being inspired by the west’s nationalism. This is because he witnessed the rise of nationalist movements and the idea of self-determination which he recognised China needed to overcome its challenges
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles pt 5
Secondly he established the Principle of Democracy seeking to establish a government that would be accountable for the needs and aspirations of the Chinese people after being deeply influenced by western democratic ideals. This is because he observed the democratic systems in countries like the USA and was impressed by the framework of their systems that lied on fair governance and the people’s voice.
Why did Sun Yat-sen establish The Three Principles pt 6
Lastly he established the principle of the people’s livelihood that would recognise the socio-economic challenges faced by the Chinese population being inspired by western concepts of social-welfare and economic developments. This is because of his exposure to western policies that aimed to improve the living conditions of the people. In conclusion his exposure to the western world contributed to the establishment of the three principles.
Why was China so weak by 1919? -
Why was China so weak by 1919? -
