Reexamination of Hu Shi’s “Outdated” image in the 1930s

In the 1930s, Hu Shi’s position as a powerful figure in China’s ideological and cultural circles was increasingly consolidated, but his followers were constantly decreasing, and influence among the young people was gradually weakening. The huge prestige accumulated since The New Culture Movement has given his enough “social capital”. In the era of rising nationalism after The September 18th Incident, Hu Shi has a very high attitude and strong momentum, and will not actively cater to young people to win support. However, a new generation of young people has risen, and they urgently need a new guide in thought and action. Hu Shi was classified as a figure of the “previous generation”, eliminated. Hu Shi’s encounter reflected the plight of liberalism in modern China, and shows the historical process of the emerging proletarian new culture.