Peking University, April 30, 2019: The unique significance of the May Fourth Movement lies greatly in its uncompromising anti-imperialism and anti-feudalism, which have never been seen in previous Chinese history, not even in the revolution of 1911. Peking University is the initiator as well as the main force of the student movement. As the centennial for May Fourth Movements approaches, let’s have a brief look at PKU in 1919.
Educational reform of Peking University
Broadly speaking, the May Fourth period includes the six years from the founding of New Youth (Xinqingnian) magazine in September 1915 to the founding of the Chinese Communist Party in July 1921, which witnessed great fluctuations in predominant thinking as well as the spread of Marxism in China.
In December 1916, Cai Yuanpei was appointed president of Peking University and carried out a series of administrative reforms. From 1898, Cai had been involved in administering institutes. He later resigned and in 1907 went to Germany to immerse himself in the study of philosophy, literature and ethics at Leipzig University. A keen interest in aesthetics and art history motivated him to translate several western works and to compile Chinese textbooks on ethnics.
During his six years at Peking University, Cai Yuanpei developed a systematic thinking on education, and strove to establish a modernized university. In the May Fourth Movement, he advocated the idea of science and democracy, opposed the old thoughts and ethics, and rescued student demonstrators arrested for participating in the movement. He modeled his ideal school administration on French and German universities, and passed new regulations to allow professors to run the university. He also employed talents in different disciplines such as Li Dazhao, who studied politics and economics, Gu Hongming, who specialised in English literature, and Xia Yuanli, the first scholar to introduce Einstein into China. Meanwhile, Cai broadly dismissed a number of teachers because of their substandard academic abilities or their poor teaching attitudes. These measures contributed a new vitality to Peking University.
Cai Yuanpei’s educational philosophy
By any standards, Cai’s educational philosophy was inseparable from his overseas study. In Germany and France, Cai was not only influenced by western science and culture, but also personally experienced the western educational model.
Cai believes that higher education is the core of developing China’s education. He proposes that universities should be research-oriented, and university teachers shall attach equal importance to teaching and research. He also advocates “freedom of thought and embrace of diversity”, as well as equal importance of five ways of life — “Virtue, Wisdom, Health, Collective, and Beauty” — core values that are still taught in schools today in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. According to Cai, education is to be free from politics and religions. It requires a guarantee of the autonomy of education funds, administration and academic content.
Peking University and the May Fourth Movement
In June 1916, Yuan Shikai, who had been the Hongxian Emperor for only 83 days, died of uremia. Exiled patriots returned to China, revitalising domestic politics and education. However, both military powers and the political regime were controlled by warlords. The authorities colluded with the Japanese government, and they were willing to compromise by ceding sovereignty.
In 1919, China attended the Paris Peace Conference as a member of the victorious Allied Powers. Ironically, the Treaty of Versailles stipulated Japan to receive territories in Shandong, which had been surrendered by Germany after the Siege of Tsingtao in 1914. Notwithstanding the unacceptable humiliation, the government intended to compromise by signing the treaty. Fierce public anger at the treaty provoked large-scale protests led by student groups. Peking University students were one of the earliest to take actions.
On May 2, upon receiving the knowledge that the government has secretly telegrammed Lou Tseng-Tsiang, the appointed delegate, to sign the treaty, Cai Yuanpei immediately informed students in Peking University, Xu Deheng from Guoming, and Luo Jialun from Xinchao, of the decision. On the evening of May 3, indignant students gathered in Peking University Third Auditorium and decided to go on demonstrations in protest of the decision to sign the Treaty of Versailles. Liao Shucang was elected the temporary president, Huang Rikui and Meng Shouchong recorded the meeting, Xu Deheng drafted the proclamation.
Most students stayed up all night, making flagpoles from bamboos. Some even bit their middle fingers and wrote slogans using blood. One of the most famous students is Xie Zhaomin, who wrote “Return Tsingtao” with his blood. Other slogans include “Struggle for the sovereignty externally, get rid of the traitors of the nation at home”, “Do away with the ‘Twenty-One’ Demands”, “Don’t sign the Versailles Treaty”, and “Boycotting Japanese products”.
On the afternoon of May 4, over 3,000 students from thirteen different local universities in Beijing marched towards Tiananmen from all directions. They were fearless of the obstacles constructed by the police, insisting on the resignation of Cao Rulin, then vice minister of Foreign Affairs, Zhang Zongxiang, then foreign minister to Japan, and Lu Zongyu, then president of Monetary Bureau, who were accused of colluding with the Japanese. Despite the scorching heat, students voiced their anger at the unjustified Versailles Treaty and the weakness of the authorities. After burning Zhaojialou, a private residence of Cao Rulin, 31 students were arrested, 20 PKU students included. Guo Qinguang, a student from Peking University with pulmonary disease, insisted on participating in the demonstrations, passed away on account of exhaustion and beating from the police. His death inspired more students to go on strike and protest against the authorities.
Magazines, newspapers, citizen societies offered support for the students in prison. Owing to pressure from multiple sides and efforts of Cai Yuanpei, students were released on May 7th. Cai Yuanpei resigned in protest in three days, followed by other university presidents in Beijing. A larger scale demonstration was started in many cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Changsha, Hankou. Eventually, Cao Rulin, Zhang Zongxiang, and Lu Zongyu, were dismissed. Chinese representatives in Paris refused to sign the Versailles Treaty.
The May Fourth Movement deeply influenced the course of Chinese history. Students in Peking University were among the pioneers and the main forces of protests. From presidents to students, from ideas to actions, from the origin of the New Culture Movement to the solid backing of the May Fourth Movement, Peking University has become one of the most influential pioneers in this great national movement.
References:
http://pkunews.pku.edu.cn/2012zt/2012-05/14/content_241031.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cai_Yuanpei
Written by: Wang Xi, Ouyang Xiaoyi
Edited by: Xu Liangdi
