Chen Duxiu (October 8, 1879 – May 27, 1942) played many different roles in Chinese history. He was a leading figure in the anti-imperial Xinhai Revolution and the May Fourth Movement for Science and Democracy. Along with Li Dazhao, Chen was a co-founder of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. He was its first Chairman and first General Secretary. Chen was an educator, philosopher, and politician. His ancestral home was in Anqing, Anhui, where he established the influential vernacular Chinese periodical La Jeunesse.

* October 9, 1879: Birth in Anqing, Anhui.
* 1879 to 1901: Early life and education in China.
* 1901 to 1908: Study in Japan, organising Republican revolutionary groups.
* 1908 to 1911: Working as a teacher.
* 1911 to 1915: Participation in the Xinhai Revolution, the post-revolution Republican government, the anti-Yuan * Shikai revolution.
* 1915 to 1920: Leading figure in the May Fourth Movement.
* 1920 to 1927: Founding and leading the Communist Party of China
* 1927 to 1932: Leading Communist forces participating in the Northern Expedition, conflict with Chiang Kai-shek * leading to the April 12 Incident and massacre of     Communists, conflict with Comintern leading to expulsion from * Communist Party. Becomes leader of Troskyists in China.
* 1932 to 1937: Arrest by Kuomintang authorities and imprisonment.
* 1937 to 1942: Retires from public life.
* May 27, 1942: Death due to heart attack.