In this podcast, Matthew Rothwell, author of Transpacific Revolutionaries: The Chinese Revolution in Latin America, explores the global history of ideas related to rebellion and revolution. The main focus of this podcast for the near future will be on the history of the Chinese Revolution, going all the way back to its roots in the initial Chinese reactions to British imperialism during the Opium War of 1839-1842, and then following the development of the revolution and many of the ideas that were products of the revolution through to their transnational diffusion in the late 20th century.
https://peopleshistoryofideas.com/
episode 13: Liberals Becoming Marxists: The New Culture and May 4th Movements (1915-1919)
In this episode we explore the move from liberalism toward Marxism among progressive intellectuals in the 1915-1919 period, and how those ideas began to be brought to the working class in China’s cities. This includes the New Culture Movement, the May 4th Movement, and the June 5th Movement.
Further reading:
Maurice Meisner, Li Ta-Chao and the Origins of Chinese Marxism
Arif Dirlik, The Origins of Chinese Communism
Some names from this episode:
Yuan Shikai, leader of the Beiyang Army and dictator after the fall of the Qing
Sun Yat-sen/Sun Zhongshan, leader of the Guomindang
Chen Duxiu, editor of New Youth and leading New Culture intellectual
Lu Xun, progressive writer who wrote “A Madman’s Diary” for New Youth
Li Dazhao, collaborator with Chen Duxiu and leading proponent of learning from the Russian Revolution
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