A Research On National In The Period Of The May Fourth

During the period of May the Fourth, especially after the first World War, facing the pressing situation in China and abroad, "how to save the nation" has become the theme of the times. At that time, Some progressive intellectuals tried to reveal social reality? awake the country and even show the direction of the road that Chinese Society should move forward by running newspapers and magazines. Then there was a moment that various newspapers appear. National was born in that situation. To promote the national personality, to inculcate countrymen common sense, to advocate using domestic products, to enhance academic research, some young intellectuals, led by some Peking University students, created this advanced magazine.On the subject of Enlightening, National published a great number of articles about national character remoulding. Focused on social issues, they also put forward their own views about the relation between eastern and western culture which is a hotly contested issue at that time. This article mainly discussed National from the perspective of history of thought and point out that national character remoulding is a key concern of National. Deeply exposed and criticized national inferiority, National also designed the ideal image of the people, and the way to realize it. These thoughts are of great progressive significance at that time. National also actively concerned about social issues, and focused on education, women's liberation and labor issues which represent its focus on social transformation. This enthusiasm on current events is the embodiment of its progress. In the attitude of the relation between eastern and western culture, National hold the view of cultural reconciliation, which is obviously different from other journals published by the students at the same time(For example, the magazine Renaissance holds a relatively radical attitude while the magazine Traditional Civilization holds a relatively conservative attitude),but seemed to be a more calm cultural reflection.Although there was quite a short period of time, and a relatively less number of issues, National is of great value which cannot be neglected. It had a great influence on the young intellectuals at that time. Its discussions and reflections on the social and cultural issues are of great reference to China today.