Industrialization: Government Involvement and Case Studies

Introduction

• Concept: The role of government in industrialization, especially in states transitioning from agricultural to industrial economies.
• Key Idea: While some regions industrialized independently, others required government intervention to initiate industrialization.

Context: Industrialization in Western Europe and the USA

• Industrialized nations gained significant global power.
• Metaphor: Industrialized nations crushed non-industrialized ("crushing skulls like a sparrow's egg").
• Non-industrialized nations sought industrialization to avoid being overpowered.

Egypt's Attempt at Industrialization

• Political Context: Part of the Ottoman Empire but largely independent.
• Challenge: Ottoman Empire was declining and couldn't support industrialization.
• Leader: Muhammad Ali led Egypt towards self-initiated industrialization.
• Initiatives:
  • Establishment of textile and weapons factories.
  • Directed agriculture towards crops like wheat and cotton for government profit.
  • Raised tariffs to protect local industries.
• Outcome:
  • Britain's intervention led to removal of protective tariffs.
  • Flood of British goods suppressed Egyptian industries.
  • Industrialization stunted.

Japan's Successful State-Sponsored Industrialization

• Initial Stance: Under Tokugawa shogunate, Japan was isolated with minimal Western contact.
• Change Factors:
  • Observed Western dominance in Asia, notably China.
  • U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's pressure opened up Japan to trade under threat.
• Response: Initiated aggressive state-sponsored industrialization to counter Western dominance.
• Event: 1868 Civil War - Overthrow of shogunate; restoration of imperial power.
• Meiji Restoration:
  • Emissaries sent to learn Western technology and systems.
  • Adoption of Western industrial practices.
  • Created a constitution and elected parliament (modeled after Germany).
  • State-funded infrastructure: railroads, banking, factories.
• Outcome: Emerged as a major industrial power in Asia.
  • Gained equal trading terms with Western powers.

Conclusion

• Takeaway: The role of government can be pivotal in the industrialization process, as seen in Egypt and Japan.
• Japan's Success: Achieved significant power balance in Asia through strategic industrial growth.

Further Learning

• Explore more topics in Unit 5.
• Use video note guides for comprehensive understanding.

"I'm glad we got to spend a few minutes together and I'll catch you on the flip-flop. I'm out!"