HI 233 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Chiang Kai-Shek, Mao Zedong, May Fourth Movement
Document Summary
Qing dynasty, ruled since 1644, was overthrown and the republic of china was. Rapid fragmentation into provincial military rule (each general claimed a territory) and civil war. Pursuit of new culture that embraced modernity and rejected old traditions. In hopes to make china strong, successful, independent. After the treaty of versailles ending wwi, chinese students protested the loss of territory to japan. Known as the may fourth movement (1919) that called for national sovereignty, democracy, rights for women, educated youth. The movement was the first mass nationalist movement in chinese history. The nationalist leader was chiang kai shek, a military office trained in japan, opposed to the communists. Wanted a strong china that could be modern while still embracing traditional moral and hierarchical values. Wanted to drive out foreigners by persuading western powers that china was sufficiently modern to govern itself. Supported by wealthy businessmen and landlords in the countryside.
