Influence Of Pragmatism To The Spread Of Marxism During The May Fourth Period

Pragmatism and Marxism were the most two popular western thoughts during the May Fourth period, but they were not accepted shoulder by shoulder. Pragmatism was more popular in the early period for its strong suspicion and anti-feudalism, while Marxism was spreading broadly only in the late May Fourth period. Based on the guidance of historical materialism and dialectics, the paper addresses itself to the influence of Pragmatism to the spread of Marxism in aspects of background, difference and homology.Firstly, the paper displays the background of Pragmatism and Marxism spreading into China. The paper analyses the reality of China in the early 20th century from national economic, politics, culture situation and better Sino-America relationship. Many intellectuals hoped to find a successful road from learning West under the cruel control of feudal warlord. So Pragmatism and Marxism were adapted to the social need for the same aim of anti-feudalism.Secondly, the paper discusses the obstructive effect of Pragmatism to Marxism's spreading. There is big bifurcation on rebuilding model, classes struggle, and question-ism between Pragmatism and Marxism. Pragmatist insisted on changing current society from every little bit, while Marxian claimed thorough revolution.Thirdly, the paper analyses the Pragmatism's positive effect to the spread of Marxism. Pragmatism started a way for the spread of Marxism for its first anti-feudalism. The practice spirit of Pragmatism urged young intellectuals to accept Marxism. The way of Pragmatism's research drived Marxism more adapting to China situation. The disputes of Pragmatism and Marxism also accelerated the spread of Marxism systemically and broadly.Lastly, the paper evaluates the influence of Pragmatism to the spread of Marxism from new classes'mental weapons,accepters and propagators'diathesis. Despite there were bifurcations between them, but it was leading of Pragmatism accelerating the spread of Marxism in the history of questing for China outlet.