Rana Mitter and Elisabeth Forster dive into the May Fourth Movement, a transformative protest in China on May 4, 1919, fueled by national humiliation over the Versailles Treaty. They discuss the uprising's roots in imperialism and the quest for modernization, emphasizing the pivotal role of intellectuals like Chen Duxiu. The conversation explores how this movement challenged Confucian values, leading to significant cultural and political shifts, including the birth of the Chinese Communist Party. The enduring impact on Chinese nationalism and gender relations is also examined.
