What event did the May Fourth Movement respond to?

The May Fourth Movement primarily responded to the signing of the Versailles Treaty, which took place in 1919. This treaty concluded World War I, and during the negotiations, the major powers decided to transfer territories in China, particularly Shandong, from German control to Japanese control. This decision angered many Chinese intellectuals and nationalists, as they felt it was an affront to China's sovereignty and dignity after their participation in the war.

The movement involved widespread protests, calls for modernization, and a rejection of traditional authority and Confucian ideals. It aimed not only to oppose foreign imperialism but also to seek a new cultural and intellectual identity for China. Hence, the correct response to this question highlights the profound impact of the Versailles Treaty on national sentiment in China, which triggered the May Fourth Movement as a significant expression of Chinese nationalism and desire for reform.