Evaluate the impact of the May Fourth movement (1919) on China.

Candidates will appraise the impact of the May Fourth movement on China by weighing up its importance as a factor for change. Some candidates may focus on the immediate aftermath whilst others will extend their appraisal to 1949. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that contextualizes the movement, outlines the main ideas and identifies subsequent outcomes. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and address the impact on areas such as intellectual debate, cultural change and political ideologies that, in turn, led to future conflict. Some candidates may argue that other factors such as warlordism, weak government and Western exploitation were also significant in shaping the future whereas others will contend that the movement was critical.