Peking University, April 29, 2019: Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940), one of the foremost educational leaders in China during the early twentieth century, was the president of Peking University from 1916 to 1927. As one of the leaders in the Revolutionary Party, he was known for his efforts in reforming China’s traditional education system and introducing western educational ideas.
Cai Yuanpei
During his tenure as president of Peking University, demonstrations culminated by the new culture era broke out on May 4, 1919, which turned out to be an anti-imperialist, anti-feudal, political and cultural movement. As an advocate for intellectual diversity, gender equality and an "embrace of diversity" education system, he was one of the largest forces in this social reform, bringing together scholars and intellectuals, defending the rights of students and encouraging them to speak out.
Peking University under Cai’s leadership
Cai and other significant figures have come up with ideas and taken measures for reforming education, which led to PKU students being at the forefront for the New Culture Movement, pioneering revolutions to promote the progress of China.
Cai recruited notable scholars for the university, established administrative institutions, expanded programs in Liberal Arts and adopted measures to improve scientific research including establishing a research institute and implementing research programs.
Additionally, Cai supported the formation of societies and groups within the university that encouraged learning and the exchange of thoughts. As the May Fourth Movement approached, there were a variety of student-led societies established such as the National Society Magazine, Debate Society, Morality Advancement society, Philosophy Society and Music society. Many of these student groups had their own publications and were able to disseminate diverse knowledge to the public.
Cai’s Contributions to the May Fourth Movement
Before the May Fourth movement broke out, Cai advised students against participating in the protests on the streets by barricading the gate of the University for fear of the safety of the students and the disruption of social order. However, when the students insisted on participating on the street protests, he gave in. On May 4, 1919, around 5,000 students from over 13 schools marched onto Tian’anmen Square for the national demonstration. A total of 32 students were arrested by force, amongst them 20 students were form Peking University. Many other student protesters were beaten by authorities. Although Cai did not participate in the street protests, Cai stood on the side of the students, protecting them and going against powers that were oppressing them. His courage and will to fight for the students gave the students hope and strength. Many other forces from the working classes also showed their support and joined in the protests by going on a strike.
Cai did everything he could to bring the students back. One night, he invited Wang Chonghui, a prominent diplomat and politician, to Peking University to discuss how they can release the captured students. Eventually under the pressure from the public, on the morning of May 7, 1919, the Beiyang Government decided to release the 32 students that were arrested. Cai, along with many Peking University’s staff and students headed over to personally welcome the students back and to celebrate their release. Many students and staff were overwhelmed with tears from relief and conflicting emotions. On that day, Cai told everyone that they ought to be happy, and nobody should be crying, however beneath his benevolent smile, tears were flooding uncontrollable down his face. A day after the release, the Beiyang Government decided to strip Cai off his position as president of Peking University and bring the once arrested students back onto court to hear court order. Additionally, Cai was given the entire blame for the student movement. Under the threatens and hostility from the opposing forces, Cai was afraid that his presence would lead to more conflicts between the student and the government. To prevent this, on May 9, 1919, he discreetly departed to Nanjing and announced to the public, “I declare that I am exhausted, so now I formally resign my post as the president of Peking University. All the organizations, schools, and assemblies have nothing to do with me from now on. Hopefully those who understand me can forgive me.” However, he had also written a private letter to the students of Peking University clarifying that he does not blame them at all.
Upon hearing the news of Cai’s resignation, Peking University students gathered together and decided to write to Fu Zenxiang, then minister of Education, hoping that he would refuse Cai's request to resign. Later that night, Peking University staff also held a meeting in which they reached a consensus that if Cai was not reinstated, they would resign together.
After the May Fourth Movement
Right after the reform, Peking University experienced a flourish with an increase of students and teachers. Gradually, more and more talents came to the fore putting forward their works, transforming Peking University into an epicenter of intellectual dynamism.
After his departure from Peking University, Cai held several public posts including president of the Daxueyuan (the University Council), president of the Academia Sinica, president of the Control Yuan, librarian of National Peking Library, vice president of China League for Civil Rights, honorary president of the China branch of the International Peace Campaign. Cai never halted his quest for knowledge regarding philosophy, ethics and education. Today, his works have been complied into a book titled "Complete Works of Cai Yuanpei".
Cai Yuanpei has made outstanding contributions to the educational development of Peking University, devoting his entire life to social reform and modern education. His legacy will continue to last for generations to come.
References:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cai-Yuanpei
https://radiichina.com/karl-marx-cai-yuanpei-and-the-legacies-of-may-fourth/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cai_Yuanpei
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=017_mayfourthspirit.inc&issue=017
https://www.lib.pku.edu.cn/portal/en/bggk/bgjs/lishiyange/caiyuanpei
http://english.pku.edu.cn/intro_PKUhistory_2.shtml
http://newsen.pku.edu.cn/news_events/news/campus/1328.htm
http://news.sciencenet.cn/sbhtmlnews/2009/8/222702.html
http://www.chinanews.com/cul/2011/05-04/3014874.shtml
http://www.yuwenmi.com/yulu/gushihui/329583.html
Written by: June Tan Rui Min
Edited by: Huang Weijian
