Test Your Knowledge of China's Turbulent History

Questions and Answers

What were the main goals of the May Fourth Movement in China?

To promote nationalism, democracy, and modernization and to reject traditional culture and values.

What were the key events leading up to the Xi'an Incident in 1936?

The second united front between the Communist Party and Nationalist Party, the Japanese invasion of China, and the Communist Party's growing power.

How did Modern Chinese Writing contribute to the cultural and intellectual development of China during the early republican era?

It introduced new literary forms and themes, addressed social and political issues, and helped to promote the use of vernacular Chinese language.

What factors led to the formation of the first united front in China?

The threat of Japanese imperialism and the need for national unity. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Long March have on the Communist Party of China?

It solidified Mao Zedong's leadership and helped to spread Communist ideology to rural areas. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Xi'an Incident affect the Second United Front in China?

It led to the temporary reconciliation between the Communist Party and the Nationalist Party in order to fight against Japanese aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What were the major themes explored in Modern Chinese Writing during the early republican era?

The major themes included cultural identity, social reform, and political revolution. Signup and view all the answers

How did the May Fourth Movement impact Chinese society and politics?

It sparked a cultural and intellectual awakening, leading to a new generation of intellectuals and political activists who challenged traditional values and advocated for modernization and democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key factors that led to the failure of the First United Front in China?

The main factors included ideological differences, conflicting goals between the Nationalists and Communists, and external pressure from foreign powers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

May Fourth Movement

The movement's main goals included promoting science, democracy, and nationalism, and overthrowing the traditional Confucian system in China.
It was a response to the Treaty of Versailles, which awarded Japan control of German territories in China.
The movement marked a shift towards modernization and Westernization in China.

Xi'an Incident

The key events leading up to the incident in 1936 included the Long March of the Communist Party of China, the formation of the Second United Front, and the increasing tensions between the Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Communist Party.
The incident involved the kidnapping of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the KMT, by Zhang Xueliang, a warlord in Northeast China.

Modern Chinese Writing

The movement contributed to the cultural and intellectual development of China during the early republican era by promoting new literary styles and themes.
It explored themes such as social reform, individualism, and the struggle for independence.
Key writers of the movement included Lu Xun, Mao Dun, and Bing Xin.

First United Front

The formation of the first united front in China was driven by the need to resist Japanese imperialism and the warlords' control.
The front was formed in 1924 between the Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Communist Party of China.
The key factors that led to the failure of the First United Front included the KMT's fear of communist influence and the communists' radical policies.

Long March

The Long March had a significant impact on the Communist Party of China, as it allowed the party to regroup and reorganize.
The march lasted from 1934 to 1935 and covered over 6,000 miles.
It resulted in the party's leadership being taken over by Mao Zedong.

Xi'an Incident and the Second United Front

The Xi'an Incident led to the formation of the Second United Front, as Chiang Kai-shek was forced to negotiate with the Communist Party.
The incident marked a turning point in the relationship between the KMT and the Communist Party.
The Second United Front was formed in 1937, with the aim of resisting Japanese invasion.

Impact of the May Fourth Movement

The May Fourth Movement had a significant impact on Chinese society and politics, as it promoted modernization and Westernization.
It led to the growth of a new intelligentsia and the development of a more radical and anti-imperialist movement.
The movement also led to the rise of the Communist Party of China.