Studies Of The May 4th Period Of The Socialist Controversy

During the May fourth period, a debate about socialism took place among Chinese Intellectuals. Its background was complex and diverse. First of all, the happening of the debate had a direct relationship with the wide spread and expanding influence of the socialism thought. With the extensive propagation of socialism thought, Marxism had a wide-ring influence on China ideological sphere after the October Revolution. So that it would inevitably trigger a conflict and controversy among many kinds of thought schools. Secondly, after the First World War, Chinese and Western divided thought situation provided a broad ideological space for the Debate. This historical setting should not be neglected. In addition, it had some connection with Soviet Russia. On the one hand, the October Revolution set an example to Chinese socialist; on the other hand, the export tactics which was taken by Russia provided an economic and organizational support for Chinese socialist. Last but not least, the Intellectual became more radical and pay more attention to social actions after the May fourth movement. In such a radical thought situation, the contradiction and conflict among many kinds of thought schools became incisively. The Debate was undoubtedly logical.In this period, with the comparison and arguments, both sides of the debate explored the way and sought the preferred reform plan for Chinese social. It can be said that paying attention to reform or revolution was in common. Which was the way for modern China? Take a gradual reform method or strike a radical revolution system? How to treat the capitalistic economy and make the socialism come true? Whether Chinese society needed a stable political order? Each kinds of socialism faction proposed respective views. Although their views were different, the aim was the same. Their focus was on nationalism. The aim of the debate about socialism was transforming China society into a new style.The debate about socialism had positive influence on the development of China. Its duration was long, the affected area was broad, and the significance was far-reaching. It demonstrated a free and active thought at that time. In addition, the Debate had laid the thought and public opinion groundwork for propagating Marxism, and it also had the profound influence on the development of modern Chinese politics. But we cannot ignore the negative impact of the debate. The road is arduous for China which was such a developing country to carry on modernization construction. While prospects are bright, the roads have twists and turns. The socialism with Chinese characteristics construction will develop and progress unceasingly in the exploration.