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Acceptance of Industrialization
Varied Responses:
Egypt: Early adopter of industrialized innovations, such as the steam engine, to boost textile productivity.
China: Weakened by European ascendency, unable to promote effective industrialization due to a weak central government.
The Ottoman Empire
Decline and Corruption:
Technological Lag: Did not adopt Western technology or Enlightenment ideas.
Ethnic Nationalism: Widespread unrest due to diverse populations.
"Sick Man of Europe": Nicknamed for its rapid decline; Europeans, particularly Russians, saw opportunities for expansion.
Post-WWI: Dismantled after World War I, replaced by the Republic of Turkey and several independent countries.
Muhammad Ali's Reforms in Egypt:
Rise to Power: Muhammad Ali became governor of Egypt, acting independently of the Ottoman Sultan.
Military and Educational Reforms: Modeled the military on European systems, established schools, and started the first official newspaper in the Islamic world.
Economic Reforms: Taxed peasants heavily, controlled cotton production, secularized religious lands, and pushed for industrialization with textile factories and shipbuilding facilities.
China
19th Century Humiliations:
Opium War and Spheres of Influence: Weakened central government and hindered industrialization efforts.
20th Century Changes: Briefly became a republic but struggled with industrialization due to lingering weaknesses from the 19th century.
Japan and the Meiji Restoration
Rapid Modernization:
Challenge to Isolation: Japan faced pressure from Western powers to open trade.
Commodore Perry: In 1853, U.S. naval squad led by Commodore Perry forced Japan to open to trade.
Meiji Reforms:
Overthrow of Shogunate: In 1868, the Meiji Restoration restored power to the emperor.
Systematic Reforms: Abolished feudalism, established a constitutional monarchy, reformed military and education, built infrastructure, and subsidized key industries.
Economic Growth: High agricultural taxes financed rapid economic growth and increased revenue for the government.
Industrial Problems:
Exploitation: Similar to Western industrial societies, Japan faced issues like the abuse and exploitation of female mill workers.
Private Investments and Zaibatsu
Private Sector Role:
Overseas Investment: Foreign investments became important for modernization.
Zaibatsu: Powerful Japanese family business organizations that took over flourishing industries.
Innovation: Encouraged technological innovation, exemplified by Toyoda Loom Works, which evolved into Toyota Motor Company.
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