Turning point in history
Ninety years ago, on May 4, 1919, Chinese students, workers, and merchants took to the streets to protest against the unjust clauses in the Treaty of Versailles, which allowed Japan privileges in China's Shandong province. The May 4th Movement was a great turning point in Chinese history, argues an article in the People's Daily. Excerpt:
The May 4th Movement was a widespread and profound social mobilization aiming at salvaging the Chinese nation from extinction. Chinese civilization, which flourished for millenniums, lagged behind the West in the modern era. Humiliated by the invasions of Western countries and Japan, China was facing the risk of losing its independence and becoming a colony. The nation and the civilization were in danger of extinction.
The contrast between the glorious periods in history and the humiliations in reality stung every patriotic Chinese. The unfair clauses in the Treaty of Versailles, igniting the anger of Chinese people, finally heated the water to boiling point.
On May 4, 1919, thousands of students convened in front of today's Tian'anmen Square, shouted the slogan "Defend our sovereignty and punish the traitors", and demonstrated on the streets. After many students were arrested, more students, workers, and merchants all over China joined the protests, and finally forced the government to release the students and refuse to sign the Treaty of Versailles.
The May 4th Movement mobilized the patriotic potential of the Chinese people, and drastically changed the thinking of many. It awakened the Chinese nation, and offered hope for the resurgence of Chinese civilization. Many intellectuals discovered the power of the people, and began to mobilize the people for achieving the salvation of the Chinese nation. Hence, it was a turning point in Chinese modern history, from the point of slipping into the abyss of colonization to the path of national salvation.
(China Daily 05/05/2009 page8)
