in 1915 young intellectuals inspired by chen duxiu began agitating for the reform and strengthening of chinese society through acceptance of western science, democracy, and schools of thought, one objective being to make china strong enough to resist western imperialism.
on may 4, 1919, reformist zeal found focus in a protest by beijing‘s students against the versailles peace conference‘s decision to transfer former german concessions in china to japan.
after more than a month of demonstrations, strikes, and boycotts of japanese goods, the government gave way and refused to sign the peace treaty with germany.
the movement spurred the successful reorganization of the nationalist party and gave birth to the chinese communist party. see also treaty of versailles.
五四青年节的来历
五四青年节是为纪念1919年5月4日中国学生爱国运动而设立的节日。
1919年5月4日，北京的青年学
