In this episode we explore the move from liberalism toward Marxism among progressive intellectuals in the 1915-1919 period, and how those ideas began to be brought to the working class in China’s cities. This includes the New Culture Movement, the May 4th Movement, and the June 5th Movement.
Further reading:
Maurice Meisner, Li Ta-Chao and the Origins of Chinese Marxism
Arif Dirlik, The Origins of Chinese Communism
Some names from this episode:
Yuan Shikai, leader of the Beiyang Army and dictator after the fall of the Qing
Sun Yat-sen/Sun Zhongshan, leader of the Guomindang
Chen Duxiu, editor of New Youth and leading New Culture intellectual
Lu Xun, progressive writer who wrote “A Madman’s Diary” for New Youth
Li Dazhao, collaborator with Chen Duxiu and leading proponent of learning from the Russian Revolution
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