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End of Qing Dynasty
Where everyone thought that Western powers were the coolest thing ever and learned that it wasn't. :D -
Japan seizes control of Shandong from Germany (Significance)
This event was the first of many betrayals for China. After assisting with the war and believing their very simple demands could be met, they were left with nothing but Japans future demands. Japan used China and took Shandong for themselves. The government was powerless and could do not for their country as they were denied anything they asked for, despite promises and guarantees. This event shows not just how weak and a pushover the government was, but also how they would betray you instantly. -
Japan seizes control of Shandong from Germany
During WW1 Japan assisted the allies under the condition that the control over Shandong would be returned to China. Instead, Japan took Shandong and even listed demands towards China. -
Day of "Humiliation"
Japan issues 21 demands towards China, threatening them with war.
The corrupt Anfu government (Yuan Shikai the former president), accepted the 21 demands.
It was an unprecedented and embarrassing diplomatic defeat. -
Day of "Humiliation" (Significance)
This event was significant as it was a point where the people of China realized that not even their own government was on their side. With Officials selling them short and their corrupt government scared or displeasing the Westerners. This told the Chinese that they had no one to rely on but themselves. If they wanted a change they would have to step and and fight for it. -
China declares war on Germany
Beginning of the movement, where China helps the the allied side, trying to get Shandong back to Chinese control as a strict condition -
Period: to
New Culture Movement
After the war, China stands up for itself its small demands of the end of Extraterritoriality and the return of the former German colonies goes ignored. Their perfect modernized Western civilization was nothing like it seemed, covered in blood and seemed to be an illusion. -
Allied Military Triumph
The allies win! China doesn't get Shandong!
China made to agree to unfair terms in the treaty which was part of Japan's 21 demands and gave them administration over the province. -
The Shandong Problem (Significance)
The Shandong Problem was the issue that got out to the public, students were enraged at the humiliation that China faced at the Peace Conference and were determined to get back their land, being the land that Confucius was born on. The Shandong problem was the last straw of betrayal from Japan and the Chinese knew it was time to take things into their own hands. -
The Shandong Problem
A dispute over article 156 of 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought to light secret treaties between Western powers and Japan that coerced Japan to enter the war. It was also revealed that China had agreed to this arrangement!
Wellington Kuo, China's ambassador to France refused to sign the treaty.
China was humiliated -
Paris Peace Conference
Where the Treaty of Versailles was signed.
China agrees with the terms in the drafted Treaty of Versailles that follows the 21 demands of Japan -
Paris Peace Conference (Significance)
At the Paris Peace Conference, it was revealed that several Chinese officials had agreed to the demands by Japan without consulting others. This was seen as a symbol of Japanese aggression, and weakness of corrupt warlord government Yan Shi-Kai. This is significant as the public became extremely angry, which would lead into the Cultural Rebellion. -
Peak of the Movement (Cause)
Students from 13 universities across Beijing gather in Tiananmen Square, angry and protesting not only at the Western powers and Japan, but also at their own government for being such a pushover and giving away their territory like that. -
Peak of the Movement (Significance)
This moment is one of the most significant because of the extreme nationalism the students showed for their country, going so far as convincing store owners to go on strike and having 30+ of them being arrested, the students rallied all of China into fighting back against the government, eventually allowing them to be released, but not before 3 government officials were arrested for being part of the secret treaty. This lead to many future student-led demonstrations and shows their will + drive. -
Treaty takes Affect. Ending WWI
The Treaty discussed all the way back in January 1919 finally takes effect, bringing the end of WW1 -
Issue concerning the control of the Shandong province resolved
At the Washington Conference, Japan finally withdrew its claim to the Shandong province -
Extraterritoriality Ends
After the war ended and China asked to be compensated with extraterritoriality, they were denied until now. -
Impact (Effect)
Lead to more student-led demonstrations and protests such as the June 4th incident or Tiananmen Square Incident -
Significance Today (Cont.)
Known by some historians as the explosive movement that began Modern China, and the point where China finally decided to stand up for itself after being pushed around by modern powers for so long. This movement was so widespread it even led to the creation of the Communist Party of China as the leaders received inspiration and nationalistic pride. -
Significance Today
In my opinion the movement was a huge success, not only were they able to achieve their goal of getting back Shandong, albeit it taking several years longer than expected, the students standing up for their country showed a strong sense of nationalism. The movement is referred to as an intellectual revolution and sociopolitical reform.