Averting a Great Divergence: State and Economy in Japan, 1868-1937

The Great Divergence, the economic gap between different parts of the world, has been the most significant debate in global economic history over the past twenty years. This book shifts the focus to ask how Japan became the only non-western county that managed to modernize its economy and start to industrialize in the 19th century. Peer Vries analyzes the role of the state in Japan's economic growth from the Meiji Restoration to World War II and argues that the states involvement was fundamental in Japan's economic 'catching up' and built on legacies from the previous Tokugawa period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Great Divergence, the economic disparity between different regions of the world, has been the most significant debate in global economic history over the past twenty years. Thus far, this debate has primarily focused on China, India, and north-western Europe, particularly Great Britain. This book aims to shift the focus and explore how Japan became the only non-western country to successfully modernize its economy and initiate industrialization in the 19th century.

To accomplish this, Peer Vries employs a diverse range of empirical data to analyze the role of the state in Japan's economic growth from the Meiji Restoration to World War II. He questions whether Japan's economic success can be attributed to the rise of state power and seeks to demonstrate how the state played a fundamental role in Japan's economic "catching up."

Vries argues that the state's involvement was crucial in Japan's economic development, building upon legacies from the previous Tokugawa period. By re-examining how Japan developed and modernized against the odds, this book deepens our understanding of the Great Divergence in global history.

The Meiji Restoration marked a pivotal moment in Japan's history, as it ended centuries of feudal rule and military rule and paved the way for economic and social transformation. The restoration brought about significant changes in government, society, and the economy, including the adoption of Western technologies, the opening of Japan to the world, and the promotion of industrialization.

Under the leadership of Emperor Meiji, Japan embarked on a program of modernization and industrialization known as the Meiji Restoration. The restoration aimed to transform Japan from a feudal society to a modern, industrialized nation. To achieve this, the government implemented a series of policies and reforms, including the establishment of a modernized military, the adoption of Western technologies, and the promotion of education and industrialization.

One of the key policies of the Meiji Restoration was the establishment of a modernized military. The government recognized the importance of a strong military to protect Japan's interests in the rapidly changing world of the 19th century. To this end, the government invested heavily in military technology and training, and established a professional military force that was capable of competing with the powers of Europe and the United States.

The adoption of Western technologies was another important aspect of the Meiji Restoration. The government recognized the importance of modernizing Japan's agriculture, industry, and transportation to compete with the Western powers. To this end, the government imported Western technologies and expertise, including machinery, agriculture, and transportation.

The promotion of education and industrialization was also a key policy of the Meiji Restoration. The government recognized the importance of a skilled and educated workforce to drive Japan's economic development. To this end, the government invested heavily in education, including the establishment of universities and technical schools.

The Meiji Restoration also brought about significant changes in society. The government abolished the feudal system, which had been a dominant feature of Japanese society for centuries. The government also promoted gender equality and women's rights, and established a legal system that was based on Western principles of justice and equality.

The Meiji Restoration was not without its challenges, however. The government faced opposition from traditionalists who opposed the adoption of Western technologies and values. The government also faced economic challenges, including a lack of capital and a shortage of skilled labor.

Despite these challenges, the Meiji Restoration was a success. Japan's economy grew rapidly in the years following the restoration, and Japan became a major player in the global economy. Japan's industrialization was driven by a combination of factors, including the adoption of Western technologies, the promotion of education and industrialization, and the establishment of a strong military.

One of the key factors that contributed to Japan's industrialization was the government's investment in education and training. The government established a system of public education that was accessible to all, and invested heavily in technical and vocational training. This investment in education and training created a skilled and educated workforce that was capable of driving Japan's industrialization.

Another key factor that contributed to Japan's industrialization was the government's promotion of industrialization. The government established a series of policies and incentives to encourage businesses to invest in Japan, including tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development. This promotion of industrialization created a thriving business environment that attracted foreign investment and helped to drive Japan's economic growth.

The establishment of a strong military was also a key factor in Japan's industrialization. The government recognized the importance of a strong military to protect Japan's interests in the global economy. To this end, the government invested heavily in military technology and training, and established a professional military force that was capable of competing with the powers of Europe and the United States.

The Meiji Restoration also brought about significant changes in Japan's society. The government abolished the feudal system, which had been a dominant feature of Japanese society for centuries. The government also promoted gender equality and women's rights, and established a legal system that was based on Western principles.

The Meiji Restoration was not without its challenges, however. The government faced opposition from traditionalists who opposed the adoption of Western technologies and values. The government also faced economic challenges, including a lack of capital and a shortage of skilled labor.

Despite these challenges, the Meiji Restoration was a success. Japan's economy grew rapidly in the years following the restoration, and Japan became a major player in the global economy. Japan's industrialization was driven by a combination of factors, including the adoption of Western technologies, the promotion of education and industrialization, and the establishment of a strong military.

In conclusion, the Meiji Restoration was a pivotal moment in Japan's history, as it marked the end of centuries of feudal and military rule
rule and paved the way for economic and social transformation. The restoration brought about significant changes in government, society, and the economy, including the adoption of Western technologies, the opening of Japan to the world, and the promotion of industrialization. The government's investment in education and training, the promotion of industrialization, and the establishment of a strong military were key factors that contributed to Japan's industrialization. These factors created a skilled and educated workforce, a thriving business environment, and a strong military force that were capable of driving Japan's industrialization. The Meiji Restoration also brought about significant changes in Japan's society, including the abolition of the feudal system, the promotion of gender equality and women's rights, and the establishment of a legal system that was based on Western principles. Despite these challenges, the Meiji Restoration was a success, and Japan's economy grew rapidly in the years following the restoration, and Japan became a major player in the global economy.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350196179