Question: What groundbreaking movement sparked right here at the Site of the Socialist Youth League of China? This location marks where China’s first youth league was born. It symbolizes the hopes of a nation.
Today we stand before a seemingly ordinary building. But this is no ordinary place. This is the Site of the Socialist Youth League of China. Here in Shanghai at No. 6 Xinyuyangli the first Chinese youth organization began.
The story begins in the early 20th century. China was in turmoil. Foreign powers had weakened the country. Many Chinese felt humiliated. The 1911 Revolution offered a glimmer of hope. But warlordism soon extinguished it. The people needed a new path.
Then came the October Revolution in Russia. Marxism arrived in China. Chinese youth saw a new way forward. The May Fourth Movement in 1919 ignited the nation. Students protested in Tiananmen Square. They sought science and democracy.
Within this movement young left-wingers emerged. They spread Marxism among workers. They realized the need for organization. In August 1920 with Comintern help the Shanghai Communist Group formed. Chen Duxiu a leader appointed Yu Xiusong to create a youth league.
On August 22 1920 the Shanghai Socialist Youth League was born. Eight members including Yu Xiusong and Shi Cuntong founded it. Yu Xiusong became its secretary. This ordinary house in Shanghai became the league’s headquarters. The first floor housed the Foreign Language Society. The second floor held the Central Committee’s office.
Soon youth leagues sprang up in other cities. Beijing Wuhan and Guangzhou followed Shanghai’s example. The early Communist Party guided these groups. Youth league activities were often more public than party actions. They spread Marxist ideas. They helped develop the national liberation movement.
In July 1921 the Communist Party of China was officially founded. It saw the youth league as a vital training ground. The Party sent members to lead the youth leagues. Zhang Tailei returned from Moscow with instructions from the Youth Communist International. He helped formally establish the Youth League.
By May 1922 seventeen cities had youth league organizations. They had over 5000 members. Chinese students in Europe also formed a youth league. Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping were among them. They sought to join the Chinese Socialist Youth League.
On May 5 1922 the first National Congress of the Chinese Socialist Youth League opened in Guangzhou. Over 1500 representatives attended. Chen Duxiu and Darin of the Youth Communist International spoke. The Congress adopted the League’s Program and Constitution. It joined the Youth Communist International. Gao Shangde Fang Guochang Zhang Chunnian Cai Hesen and Yu Xiusong were elected to the Central Executive Committee. Fang Guochang became Secretary.
The Youth League actively joined the workers’ movement. They stood at the forefront of strikes. Huang Ai and Pang Renquan were martyred. The Youth League grew during this period of intense struggle.
The Third National Congress of the Communist Party in 1923 promoted cooperation with the Kuomintang. The Youth League supported this policy. They helped restructure the Kuomintang. Members studied at the Huangpu Military Academy and the Farmers’ Training Institute. Zhou Enlai led the political department at Huangpu.
In October 1923 the Youth League launched the China Youth weekly. Yun Daiying was the main editor. The magazine promoted Marxism and fought against opposing ideologies. It became a beloved teacher and friend to revolutionary youth.
In January 1925 the Third National Congress of the Chinese Socialist Youth League convened in Shanghai. The League officially renamed itself the Communist Youth League of China. This showed their commitment to communism.
During the May Thirtieth Movement the Youth League mobilized students. They protested the killing of Gu Zhenghong a young worker. After the May 30th Massacre the Youth League launched anti-imperialist struggles nationwide.
In the March 18th tragedy in Beijing 32 young people died. Six were members of the Communist Youth League. These martyrs inspired the nation. The Youth League supported the Northern Expedition. They fought against warlords. They helped write a magnificent chapter in Chinese history.
Remember this Site of the Socialist Youth League of China. It witnessed the spark of youth revolution. It embodies the dedication of young people to a new China. Their spirit still echoes today.