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Five Classmates and the Story of the New China

Henry David Thoreau

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In 1919, five classmates at Peking University witnessed the May Fourth Movement, a student-led protest against the Treaty of Versailles that gave Japan control over Shandong Province. This event marked the beginning of a new era in Chinese history, one in which the youth would play a leading role in the country's development.

Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China

by John Pomfret

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The five classmates, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Chen Yi, Liu Shaoqi, and Li Xiannian, would all go on to become leaders of the Chinese Revolution and the founding fathers of the People's Republic of China. Their experiences during the May Fourth Movement shaped their political beliefs and their commitment to social change.

Zhou Enlai: The Premier

Zhou Enlai was the eldest of the five classmates. He was born in 1898 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. His father was a wealthy merchant, and Zhou received a traditional Chinese education. However, he was also exposed to Western ideas at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in politics.

Zhou Enlai participated in the May Fourth Movement and was one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. He played a leading role in the Chinese Revolution and served as Premier of the People's Republic of China from 1949 to 1976.

Zhou Enlai, Premier Of The People's Republic Of China From 1949 To 1976 Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates And The Story Of The New China

Deng Xiaoping: The Reformer

Deng Xiaoping was born in 1904 in Guang'an, Sichuan Province. His father was a teacher, and Deng received a Western education. He joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1924 and participated in the Long March in 1934-35.

Deng Xiaoping played a leading role in the Chinese Revolution and served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 1978 to 1989. He is best known for his economic reforms, which transformed China from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.

Deng Xiaoping, General Secretary Of The Communist Party Of China From 1978 To 1989 Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates And The Story Of The New China — Deng Xiaoping is best known for his economic reforms, which transformed China from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.

Chen Yi: The Marshal

Chen Yi was born in 1901 in Lezhi, Sichuan Province. His father was a peasant, and Chen received little formal education. However, he was a gifted military strategist and led the Eighth Route Army to victory in many battles during the Chinese Revolution.

Chen Yi served as Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China from 1958 to 1972. He was a close friend of Zhou Enlai, and he played a key role in the negotiations that led to the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

Chen Yi, Foreign Minister Of The People's Republic Of China From 1958 To 1972 Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates And The Story Of The New China

Liu Shaoqi: The President

Liu Shaoqi was born in 1898 in Ningxiang, Hunan Province. His father was a farmer, and Liu received a traditional Chinese education. However, he was also exposed to Western ideas at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in politics.

Liu Shaoqi participated in the May Fourth Movement and was one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. He played a leading role in the Chinese Revolution and served as President of the People's Republic of China from 1959 to 1968.

Liu Shaoqi, President Of The People's Republic Of China From 1959 To 1968 Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates And The Story Of The New China — Liu Shaoqi was one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921 and played a leading role in the Chinese Revolution.

Li Xiannian: The Vice President

Li Xiannian was born in 1909 in Hong'an, Hubei Province. His father was a peasant, and Li received little formal education. However, he joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1927 and participated in the Long March

Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China

by John Pomfret

4.5 out of 5