The May Fourth Movement and Saving the Nation Through Science

Xiao Huang: How did the May Fourth Movement guide China’s modern transformation?

DOORM: The May Fourth call for “Mr. Science” and “Mr. Democracy” was, in essence, a profound cultural awakening. It propelled China’s shift from idealist traditions towards materialism, from exploring private ownership towards public ownership, and laid a foundation for national rejuvenation with the spirit of science—the return of scientists like Qian Xuesen was precisely the practice of the “saving the nation through science” ideal.