The New Culture/May Fourth Movement

What event in 1915 significantly inflamed Chinese nationalism and fear of foreign aggression, contributing to the New Culture Movement?

• • The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

• • Japan’s presentation of the 21 Demands to Yuan Shikai

• The Boxer Rebellion

• • The founding of the Republic of China

How did the economic conditions during and after WWI contribute to the NCM?

• • WWI led to an immediate improvement in living standards for the average Chinese citizen.

• • The economic boom in China during WWI reduced the influence of foreign imperialism.

• • China's economy was largely unaffected by WWI, which kept social unrest at a minimum.

• • European demand for Chinese goods during WWI led to industrial and commercial expansion, creating a politically conscious merchant and labor class.

How did the political landscape after the fall of the Qing Dynasty influence the NCM?

• • The establishment of a strong, centralized government immediately after the fall of the Qing Dynasty stifled any need for a cultural movement.

• • The lack of a unified national ideology amidst the warlord era enabled intellectuals to experiment with new ideas

• • The immediate reunification of China under a democratic government prevented the rise of any significant cultural movement.

• • The Qing Dynasty's fall led to a period of peace and prosperity, which diminished the impetus for the NCM.

What role did modern education play in the emergence of the NCM?

• • The introduction of modern, Western education fostered a class of intellectuals eager for reform and critical of China's cultural heritage.

• • It led to the widespread rejection of Western science and democracy in favor of Confucian principles.

• • Modern education was rejected in favor of traditional Chinese educational methods, which contributed to the NCM.

• • It created a class of intellectuals indifferent to China’s political and social issues.

What publication provided the inspiration for the New Culture movement?

• New Culture

• New Youth

• New Dawn

• New Age

Who was the President of the Beijing University as the New Culture Movement began to emerge?

• Zhou Enlai

• Mao Zedong

• Li Dazhao

• Cai Yuanpei

What form of the Chinese language did the New Culture Movement advocate the adoption of?

• Literary

• Classical

• Vernacular

• Cultured

One of the most brilliant writers of the New Culture Movement. He wrote the famous "True Story of Ah Q"

• Chun Duxiu

• Li Dazhou

• Lu Xun

• Mao Zedong

What event that took place in 1917 also inspired the New Culture Movement?

• The outbreak of WW1

• The Treaty of Versailles

• The birth of the Communist Party

• The Russian Revolution

The May Fourth Movement began in protest at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1918

• True

• False