AP Ch. 27 Russia and Japan: Industrialization Outside the West

Quick Write List 2 advantages of Japan had over China in the competition to assume leadership and to establish industrialization in Asia

Answers Japan already knew the benefits of imitation, which China had never acknowledged. Japan had allowed a more autonomous merchant tradition. Feudal traditions limited the heavy hand of government controls while stimulating a sense of competitiveness. Western countries were attracted to China first, so Japan had early leeway.

Over View Russia & Japan defied European domination. They launched industrialization and both achieved economic independence and were able to join in the imperialist scramble. Japan displayed more political flexibility than did Russia. Russia influenced eastern Europe and central Asia. Change in Russia increased internal strains and led to revolution. Japan, through its reforms, pulled away from the rest of Asia. The two maintained independence while they experienced cultural imitation: Japan from China, and Russia from Byzantium and the West. Both improved their political effectiveness during the 17th & 18th centuries, allowing the state to sponsor change.

Industrialism threatened traditional and social hierarchies. – In Russia, the aristocracy was threatened by the abolition of serfdom, the creation of regional zemstvoes (rural local gov), and reforms of the army. – In Japan, there were similar changes: the samurai were almost destroyed by the fall of the shogunate, the destruction of feudalism, and military reform. Both nations used territorial expansion as a means of appeasing the aristocracy and built support for the imperial government. The courses of expansion differed. Japan did not begin until the 1890s, after industrialization, as it sought to secure sources of raw materials in Korea and Manchuria. Russian expansion began long before industrialization; one primary motive was the securing of a warm- water port.

Japan and Russia used of Western models in achieving industrialization, and both incorporated aspects of Western culture in the process of industrialization. Both continued to trade with the West, so in a sense both were culturally and technologically dependent on the West. Japan’s industrialization was more complete and was accomplished with less foreign capital— thus, with less foreign control of development. Japan, with the exception of a lack of raw materials, was more economically independent.

Russia, retained some of the aspects of dependent economies, such as heavy foreign investment in industry and continued reliance on agricultural exports to the West. Both were involved in alliances that largely were the creation of Western states.

Japan & Russia during the process of industrialization Both Japan and Russia were late joining the industrial movement. They both followed similar patterns, state- supported transportation systems, banking, factories, and individual land ownerships. The differences came in the embracement of Western ideals. The Russian aristocracy remained skeptical of the West, Japan embraced and adopted many Western ideas.

Russia before Reform - Anti-Westernization backlash, following Napoleon's invasion, 1812 Decembrist revolt, Russia by mid-level army officers advocating reforms. Suppressed by Nicholas I - Russia avoids revolutions of 1830, 1848 Economic and Social Problems: The Peasant Question - Landlords increased exports of grain by tightening labor obligations on serfs. – Alexander II was convinced that reforms were necessary, 1861 emancipation of serfs they forced to buy lands - stagnant Crimean War ( ) Defeat by industrial powers - Alexander II turns to industrialization Reforms of 1860s, 1870s - Zemstvoes -Local political councils created as part of Alexander II’s reforms; gave the middle class professional experience in government but did not influence national policy - Military reform - Some educational reform

Russian industrialization from 1861 to 1900 In Russia, state support was vital, because it lacked a middle class and capital. Factories appeared in Russian and Polish cities by the 1880s, and the government quickly acted to protect them from foreign competition. Under Count Witte, from 1892 to 1903, the government passed high tariffs, improved the banking system, and encouraged Western investment. – By 1900, about half of industry was foreign-owned. Russia became a debtor nation, industries did not produce economic autonomy.

The Rail Roads A railway system was created in the 1870s; it reached the Pacific in the 1880s. The railways stimulated the iron and coal sectors, as well as the export of grain to the West. Siberia was opened to development and increased Russian involvement in Asia.

Revolution in Russia by Russia encountered the similarly expanding Japanese and was defeated in the Russo-Japanese War of The loss unleashed protests in Russia. Urban workers and peasants joined liberal groups in the Revolution of 1905.

Japan: Transformation without Revolution Japan adopted a Western-style army and navy. Banks were established to fund trade and provide investment capital. Railways and steam vessels improved national communications. Restrictions on commerce, i.e. guilds & tariffs, were removed. Land reform cleared the way for individual ownership, which stimulated production. A ministry of industry was created in 1870 to establish overall economic policy and operate certain industries. Model factories were created to provide industrial experience, and an expanded education system offered technical training. Private enterprise was involved in the growing economy, especially in textiles. Entrepreneurs came from all social ranks. By the 1890s, huge industrial blocs (zaibatsu) had been formed. – By 1900, Japan was fully engaged in an industrial revolution.

Shogun Steps Down and Meiji Steps Up , samurai class abolished Samurai sent to US to study, promote change

Social & Economic changes in Japan as a result of industrialization Labor organization efforts were repressed. A massive population increase that supplied cheap labor but strained resources and stability. The government introduced a universal education system stressing science, technology, and loyalty to the nation. Western fashions in dress and personal care were adopted, along with the calendar and metric system. The birth rate dropped as population growth forced movement from the land and factory labor made children less useful. Family instability showed in a high divorce rate. The traditional view of the inferiority of women continued; formality of manners and diet were maintained. Industrialization displaced samurai class a role as captains of industry

Write a Compare and Contrast essay on Russia and Japans industrialization.