During the May Fourth Movement in 1919, some people in Hunan advocated for Hunan's autonomy. Young Mao Zedong was the most vocal proponent of Hunan's autonomy, and Hunan proposed the establishment of the Hunan Republic, which was seen as an example of popular sovereignty. John Dewey also attached importance to Hunan's autonomy, believing that China might form a federal system similar to that of the United States at the time.