Paths to Modernisation- Best in class History NCERT 11

The history of Japan and China and their journey toward modernisation is a remarkable story that demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to adopt new ideas while preserving traditional values. The Paths to Modernisation chapter in Class 11 NCERT is a crucial topic that helps us understand the transformation of these two Asian giants. Let’s delve deeper into the subject and explore each aspect of their journey in great detail.

Introduction

The process of modernisation can be seen as a critical moment in the history of any nation. It signifies the point where traditional societies adapt to modern values, technologies, and institutional frameworks. This transformation occurred at varying paces and in different ways in different regions of the world. In the context of East Asia, Japan and China provide intriguing case studies of how societies embrace modernisation. While Japan rapidly absorbed Western ideas, technology, and governance structures during the 19th century, China’s path was far more complex, marked by internal turmoil, external aggression, and a protracted struggle to reconcile tradition with modernisation. The Paths to Modernisation for these countries were shaped by unique internal dynamics and interactions with the West.

In this blog, we will explore the history of Japan and China, discuss their modernisation journeys, and examine the key events that defined their transformations.

History of Japan and China

Both Japan and China share a rich history that spans thousands of years. Their early histories were shaped by feudal systems, powerful dynasties, and cultural evolution. However, the course of their histories diverged in the 19th century as Western powers began to assert their influence.

Japan’s Pre-modern Era

Before the arrival of Western influence, Japan was governed by a feudal system led by powerful samurai and daimyos under the emperor. This hierarchical society was largely isolated from the rest of the world, following a policy of seclusion known as sakoku. The Edo period (1603-1868) was characterized by peace, but it also stagnated Japan’s technological and economic development compared to the rapidly modernizing West.

China’s Pre-modern Era

China, on the other hand, was ruled by successive dynasties, the most significant being the Qing dynasty, which held power from 1644 to 1912. China saw itself as the Middle Kingdom, considering itself the center of civilization, and looked down on Western nations as barbaric. This sense of cultural superiority, combined with a rigid bureaucratic system, led to resistance to Western ideas and technology.

Japan

Japan’s modernisation journey began with the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, who forced the Tokugawa shogunate to open the country to Western trade. This event marked the end of Japan’s isolationist policies and the beginning of profound changes in its political, social, and economic structures.

The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 was the turning point for Japan’s modernisation. The Tokugawa shogunate was overthrown, and the emperor was restored to power, although real political power was held by a group of reform-minded leaders. The Meiji government pursued a policy of rapid industrialisation and Westernisation, determined to prevent Japan from becoming a victim of Western imperialism like many other Asian countries.

Key aspects of Japan’s modernisation include:

Political Reforms: The new Meiji government adopted a constitutional monarchy model based on Western systems. A modern legal system, a centralised government, and a constitution were introduced.
Economic Reforms: Japan invested heavily in building infrastructure such as railways, telegraph systems, and modern industries. The government also established zaibatsu, large industrial and financial business conglomerates.
Military Reforms: The Meiji government modernised Japan’s military by adopting Western techniques and technologies. Japan’s victory in the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) demonstrated the success of these reforms.
Social and Educational Reforms: The government implemented compulsory education, based on Western models, and promoted industrial skills among its population. Traditional social structures were also reformed, and Japan developed a modern legal system.

Japan’s rapid transformation from a feudal society to a modern industrial power astounded the world. By the early 20th century, Japan was one of the most advanced nations in Asia, capable of competing with Western powers both economically and militarily.

China

In contrast to Japan’s swift and relatively smooth transition to modernisation, China’s journey was marked by internal conflict, external aggression, and repeated efforts at reform that were often thwarted by conservative elements within the ruling elite.

The Opium Wars and the Unequal Treaties

The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860) were a major turning point in Chinese history. Western powers, particularly Britain, sought to open China’s lucrative markets, and when China resisted, they were forced to sign a series of unequal treaties that ceded territory and trading rights to the Western powers. The loss of the First Opium War marked the beginning of a period of semi-colonialism, where foreign powers exerted significant control over Chinese affairs.

The Taiping Rebellion and Self-Strengthening Movement

The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864), one of the bloodiest civil wars in history, further weakened the Qing dynasty. In response, the Qing government launched the Self-Strengthening Movement in the 1860s, which aimed to adopt Western technology while maintaining traditional Confucian values. However, these reforms were only partially successful, as they lacked the comprehensive approach taken by Japan.

The Hundred Days’ Reform and Boxer Rebellion

In 1898, the Hundred Days’ Reform sought to modernise China’s political, economic, and educational systems, but it was quickly suppressed by conservative forces within the government. The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), a violent anti-foreign uprising, further exposed China’s weakness and led to more foreign intervention.

The 1911 Revolution

The turning point came with the 1911 Revolution, which led to the collapse of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China under Sun Yat-sen. However, the republic was plagued by internal strife, and China remained divided until the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, following the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War.

Modernisation of Japan and China

The modernisation of Japan and China was a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by internal dynamics and external pressures. While Japan’s modernisation was rapid and state-led, China struggled to overcome internal divisions and foreign domination.

Japan’s Approach

Japan’s success can be attributed to its strong central government, which took a top-down approach to modernisation. The Meiji leaders were able to implement reforms swiftly and decisively, modernising the economy, military, and education system while maintaining social stability.

China’s Struggles

In contrast, China’s attempts at modernisation were often hampered by conservative elements within the ruling elite and a lack of unity among reformers. While efforts such as the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Hundred Days’ Reform aimed to modernise China, they were ultimately too limited in scope and faced significant resistance.

The Story of Taiwan

Taiwan’s modernisation journey is deeply intertwined with the histories of both China and Japan. After the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. Under Japanese rule, Taiwan underwent significant infrastructure development, industrialisation, and agricultural reform, which laid the groundwork for its post-war economic growth.

Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to China, but the island’s future took a different path after the Chinese Civil War. The Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan after their defeat by the Communists on the mainland. Under KMT rule, Taiwan experienced rapid industrialisation and became one of the Four Asian Tigers, known for their rapid economic growth and industrial prowess.

The Story of Korea

Korea’s path to modernisation was heavily influenced by Japanese colonisation. After the Russo-Japanese War, Korea became a Japanese protectorate in 1905 and was fully annexed by Japan in 1910. Under Japanese rule, Korea experienced significant industrial development, but this came at the cost of political repression and cultural suppression.

After World War II, Korea was divided into two: North Korea and South Korea. South Korea embarked on a rapid journey of economic modernisation, transforming itself from an agrarian society to one of the world’s leading industrial economies. North Korea, on the other hand, adopted a policy of isolation and central planning, with far different results.

The Evolution of Japanese and Chinese Societies during Modernisation

The evolution of society in both Japan and China during their respective paths to modernisation involved profound changes in their cultural, political, and social structures. These changes were critical in shaping the future of both nations and their global standing.

Japan’s Social Transformation

One of the most remarkable aspects of Japan’s modernisation was the speed and depth of its social transformation during the Meiji Restoration and beyond. Japan successfully transitioned from a rigid feudal system dominated by the samurai class to a modern industrial society.

Key elements of Japan’s societal changes include:

Abolition of the Samurai Class: One of the most significant reforms was the abolition of the samurai’s privileged status. The feudal class structure was dismantled, and samurai were either absorbed into the new military or transitioned into other professions.
Universal Education: Education reforms were critical in shaping Japan’s modern workforce. The Meiji government made education compulsory, establishing a Western-style school system that emphasized science, mathematics, and modern industry, while also instilling a sense of national unity and loyalty to the emperor.
Industrial Workforce: Japan’s modernisation led to rapid urbanisation and the growth of an industrial workforce. While initially challenging, Japan’s successful adaptation to industrial labour laid the foundation for its economic success in the 20th century.

Despite the rapid changes, Japan managed to balance Western influence with the preservation of its cultural heritage. Shintoism and Buddhism remained central to Japanese society, and traditional arts, like tea ceremonies and kabuki theatre, continued to thrive alongside the nation’s industrial progress.

China’s Social Turmoil and Reforms

In contrast, China’s social transformation during its attempts at modernisation was far more turbulent. The combination of internal conflict and external pressures led to immense social upheaval, with different segments of society pushing for varying visions of China’s future.

Key social factors in China’s modernisation include:

The Decline of the Qing Dynasty: The Qing Dynasty struggled to maintain control as peasant uprisings, such as the Taiping Rebellion, and foreign invasions weakened its grip on power. This led to widespread social discontent, with various reform movements pushing for different paths forward.
Social Discontent and Reform Movements: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a series of reform movements, including the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Hundred Days’ Reform, which aimed to modernise China’s economy and society. However, conservative elements within the government resisted these changes, fearing that they would erode traditional Confucian values.
The New Culture Movement: In the early 20th century, intellectuals in China began calling for a complete overhaul of Chinese society. The New Culture Movement promoted Western ideals, including democracy, science, and gender equality, and rejected traditional Confucian values. This movement laid the groundwork for the later Communist Revolution.

China’s societal transformation was far more fragmented than Japan’s, with conflicting ideas about how to reconcile Western modernity with Chinese traditions. This ongoing struggle between reform and conservatism ultimately contributed to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the chaos that ensued in the early 20th century.

Key Figures in the Modernisation of Japan and China

The successful modernisation of Japan and the tumultuous journey of China were greatly influenced by visionary leaders and reformers who played a pivotal role in shaping their respective nations.

Emperor Meiji and the Meiji Oligarchs

The Meiji Emperor, while primarily a symbolic figurehead, became a unifying symbol of Japan’s modernisation. The real power behind the throne lay with a group of reform-minded leaders known as the Meiji Oligarchs, including men like Ito Hirobumi, Yamagata Aritomo, and Okubo Toshimichi.

These leaders spearheaded Japan’s modernisation efforts, adopting Western technologies, political systems, and industrial practices while maintaining Japan’s sovereignty and cultural integrity. Their vision and leadership were crucial in ensuring that Japan’s rapid transformation was both successful and sustainable.

Sun Yat-sen and the Revolutionaries of China

In China, Sun Yat-sen is regarded as the father of modern China and a pivotal figure in the country’s modernisation efforts. Sun was deeply influenced by Western ideals and sought to create a republican government based on the principles of nationalism, democracy, and socialism. His efforts to modernise China culminated in the 1911 Revolution, which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.

However, Sun’s vision of a unified, modern China was complicated by internal divisions, warlordism, and foreign interference. While his ideas laid the groundwork for future modernisation, China’s path would remain tumultuous for several decades.

The Role of External Forces in Modernisation

Both Japan and China were profoundly influenced by external forces during their modernisation processes. The manner in which each country interacted with foreign powers shaped the trajectory of their modernisation efforts.

Japan’s Controlled Engagement with the West

Japan’s modernisation was largely driven by a desire to avoid the fate of China and other Asian nations that had fallen under Western imperialism. The Meiji government carefully controlled its engagement with Western powers, adopting Western technologies and institutions on its own terms while maintaining Japan’s political independence.

Japan’s victories in the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War demonstrated its ability to compete with Western powers militarily, further cementing its status as a modern nation on the global stage.

China’s Struggles with Foreign Domination

China’s modernisation efforts, on the other hand, were deeply influenced by its experiences with foreign domination. The Opium Wars and the unequal treaties forced China to open its markets and cede territory to Western powers. This period of semi-colonialism severely weakened the Qing Dynasty and contributed to widespread social unrest.

The Boxer Rebellion was a particularly violent reaction to foreign influence, as anti-foreign sentiment erupted into a nationwide uprising. The rebellion was ultimately crushed by an alliance of foreign powers, further undermining China’s sovereignty and ability to modernise on its own terms.

The modernisation of Japan and China presents a fascinating study in contrasts. While Japan successfully navigated the challenges of modernisation and emerged as a major global power, China’s journey was far more tumultuous, marked by internal strife and foreign intervention. Understanding these Paths to Modernisation provides valuable insights into the historical trajectories of both nations and their roles in shaping the modern world.

The Impact of Modernisation on Japan and China’s Political Systems

Modernisation not only reshaped the economic and social landscapes of Japan and China, but it also had profound impacts on their political systems. The transformation of governance in both countries laid the groundwork for their respective approaches to development and international relations.

Japan’s Political Reformation

Japan’s political transformation during the Meiji Restoration was one of the most significant elements of its modernisation. The changes to Japan’s political structure were sweeping and directly influenced the nation’s ability to become a modern industrial state. Key aspects of Japan’s political reforms include:

Abolition of the Shogunate: The Tokugawa Shogunate, which had ruled Japan for over 250 years, was dismantled, and power was returned to the emperor in name, though real authority rested with the Meiji oligarchs. This marked the end of the feudal era and the centralisation of political power under a modern state.
Constitutional Government: In 1889, Japan adopted the Meiji Constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy modeled on Western parliamentary systems. While the emperor retained significant powers, a bicameral legislature, known as the Diet, was created to represent the people. This laid the foundation for modern Japanese democracy.
Development of Modern Bureaucracy: A modern civil service was created to administer the state. This bureaucracy was staffed by professionals educated in new Western-style schools, which helped implement the government’s industrialisation policies efficiently.
Military Reforms and Imperialism: Japan’s government also placed a strong emphasis on building a powerful modern military, which enabled the nation to assert its influence in East Asia. Japan’s victories in the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War allowed it to expand its empire, including the annexation of Korea in 1910.

These political changes allowed Japan to transition smoothly into a modern state, and by the early 20th century, Japan had become a world power with significant military and industrial capacity.

China’s Struggles with Political Reform

China’s political path to modernisation was far more tumultuous and disjointed. The collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 marked the end of over two millennia of imperial rule in China, but the transition to a modern political system was fraught with difficulties. Major events in China’s political transformation include:

The End of Imperial Rule: The 1911 Revolution, led by Sun Yat-sen and his followers, brought an end to the Qing Dynasty, marking the end of China’s imperial era. This revolution was fueled by a combination of nationalist sentiment, anti-foreign resistance, and a desire to modernise China’s political system.
The Republic of China: Sun Yat-sen’s vision for China was a modern republic based on his Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people. However, the new Republic of China was plagued by political instability, as regional warlords and foreign powers continued to exert influence over different parts of the country.
Warlordism and Fragmentation: After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, China entered a period of warlordism, where regional military leaders controlled different parts of the country. This fragmentation severely hindered China’s ability to modernise and left the central government weak.
The May Fourth Movement: In 1919, the May Fourth Movement emerged as a response to China’s humiliating treatment in the Treaty of Versailles, which gave Japanese control over former German territories in China. This movement was driven by students and intellectuals who sought to modernise China politically and culturally, advocating for science, democracy, and the rejection of traditional Confucian values.
Rise of Communism and the Chinese Civil War: In the wake of ongoing instability, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), founded in 1921, began to gain support, particularly among peasants and workers. After years of civil war between the Nationalists (Kuomintang) and the Communists, the CCP, led by Mao Zedong, established the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

China’s path to modernisation was far more chaotic and disjointed than Japan’s. While efforts were made to establish a modern political system, these were often hindered by internal divisions, foreign interference, and a lack of cohesive leadership.

Economic Modernisation: Japan’s Industrial Success vs. China’s Struggles

Economic modernisation was a critical component of both Japan and China’s efforts to transform into modern nations. However, the outcomes were vastly different due to the contrasting approaches and circumstances faced by the two countries.

Japan’s Economic Miracle

Japan’s economic modernisation was one of the most impressive success stories of the 19th and 20th centuries. After the Meiji Restoration, the government implemented a series of sweeping economic reforms that transformed Japan from an agrarian society into a global industrial power.

Key elements of Japan’s economic modernisation include:

State-Led Industrialisation: The Meiji government actively promoted industrialisation by investing in infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and communication systems, as well as establishing modern industries like textiles, steel, and shipbuilding.
Zaibatsu: Large family-controlled conglomerates, known as zaibatsu, played a crucial role in Japan’s industrial development. Companies like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo became the driving forces behind Japan’s rapid industrial growth.
Agricultural Reform: The government also implemented agricultural reforms, improving productivity and freeing up labor for industrial jobs. These reforms helped Japan sustain its growing population and provided the capital needed for industrial investment.
Foreign Trade and Expansion: Japan’s economic modernisation was also supported by its expansion into neighboring regions, which provided both markets for its goods and access to resources. The annexation of Korea and victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars allowed Japan to secure access to key resources like coal and iron.

By the early 20th century, Japan had become one of the world’s leading industrial nations, with a highly efficient economy and a powerful military-industrial complex.

China’s Economic Struggles

China’s economic modernisation efforts were far less successful than Japan’s. The Qing government’s attempts to modernise China’s economy were half-hearted and often undermined by internal and external factors.

Key challenges in China’s economic modernisation include:

Lack of Central Control: Unlike Japan, where the Meiji government exercised strong central control over the economy, China’s central government was often weak and unable to enforce economic reforms. Regional warlords and foreign powers controlled large parts of China, making it difficult to implement cohesive policies.
Limited Industrialisation: Although China’s Self-Strengthening Movement sought to modernise the economy by establishing modern industries like textiles and shipbuilding, these efforts were limited in scope and largely unsuccessful. Corruption, lack of expertise, and resistance from conservative factions within the Qing government hindered industrial growth.
Foreign Domination: China’s economic modernisation was further hampered by foreign domination. The Opium Wars and unequal treaties imposed by Western powers forced China to open its markets on unfavorable terms, leading to a significant outflow of wealth and resources. Foreign powers also controlled key industries, leaving China with little control over its own economic destiny.
Agricultural Decline: China’s agricultural sector, which had long been the backbone of its economy, suffered from neglect and overpopulation. Poor farming techniques, coupled with natural disasters, led to frequent famines and social unrest, further destabilising the economy.

While some progress was made in modernising China’s economy, it remained far behind Japan and other Western nations. It was not until the later 20th century, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, that China embarked on a successful path of economic reform and modernisation.

Conclusion: Contrasting Paths to Modernisation

The stories of Japan and China offer a striking contrast in the paths to modernisation. While Japan embraced Western technology, political systems, and industrialisation, transforming itself into a modern global power, China’s attempts at modernisation were hampered by internal divisions, foreign domination, and a failure to adapt quickly to changing global realities.

Japan’s success in modernising allowed it to become the first Asian nation to compete with Western powers on equal footing. Its ability to blend Western innovations with traditional values allowed it to maintain its cultural identity while achieving industrial and military success.

China’s journey, on the other hand, was far more turbulent, marked by social upheaval, political instability, and foreign interference. Although China would eventually achieve modernisation under communist rule in the mid-20th century, its path was far more difficult and protracted than Japan’s.

The lessons from these two countries’ paths to modernisation continue to resonate in the 21st century, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that nations face as they seek to balance tradition and modernity.

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NCERT Questions Paths to Modernisation

Intext Questions

Contrast the encounter of the Japanese and the Aztecs with the Europeans.

Ans: Encounter of the Japanese with the Europeans: Japanese encountered with Portuguese first among Europeans. It did trade with Holland, which was the only Western country Japanese traded with. They knew about the British establishment of colonies in its neighbourhood. Rather than ignoring European ideas, they wanted to learn them and adopt the new technologies offered by the Europeans. They imported textile machinery from Europe.

Encounter of the Aztecs with the Europeans: The encounter of Aztecs with the Europeans was not good. Aztecs after giving shelter to Spaniards, thought that they gave shelter to a monster. Spaniards fought against Aztecs and destroyed their villages and killed their people. Spaniards conquered Mexico by defeating Aztecs in two years and established their colony there.

Would you agree with Nishitani’s definition of ‘modern’?

Ans: The philosopher Nishitani Keiji defined ‘modern’ as the unity of three streams of Western thought i.e. the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation and the rise of Natural sciences.

I would not agree with everything about Nishitani’s definition Of modern. For example, if we take India, as early as in Gupta period, our scientists had invented zero, formulated many mathematics theorems, proved that sun being centre of the universe and earth rotating on its own axis.

If we take China, it was aware of printing technology long before Western people knew about it. In fact most of the Westerners learnt many things from Indians, Chinese and Arabs. So, modernity is not just unity of three streams of Western thought.

Does this painting give you a clear sense of the significance of the Opium War?

Ans The painting does not give a clear sense, but it gives a rough idea about the significance of the Opium War with basic knowledge that British fought Opium wars against Chinese in order to solve their balance of trade problems.
From the painting we can make out that, British destroyed Chinese ships and defeated them in the war, forcing their terms and conditions on Chinese and subjugating it.

How does a sense of discrimination unite people?

Ans The sense of discrimination unites people. It is true and this can be proved with numerous examples from the history. Some of them are:

When third estate people were discriminated in France, it led to the unity of the common people and revolt against the kings, nobles and clergy leading to French Revolution.
In India, when soldiers were discriminated against their British counterparts, it led to the India’s First War of Independence in 1857.

The reasons behind unity of people when there is discrimination are:

Discrimination gives rise to a common cause among the people. It creates a common enemy for the exploited/victimised people. Thus, they unite together to fight the common enemy,
Discrimination promotes inhuman practices like black’s segregation in USA or apartheid in South Africa or untouchability in India. To fight for justice and to gain dignity, the people who are affected get united to get back their legitimate rights.

What were the major developments before the Meiji restoration that made it possible for Japan to modernise rapidly?

Ans Ille major developments before the Meiji restoration that made it possible for Japan to modernise rapidly were:

Peasantry were disarmed and only Samurai were allowed to carry swords. Ihs ensured peace and order.
The Daimyo were ordered to live in capitals of their domains, each with a large degree of autonomy.
Land surveys identified owners and taxpayers and graded land productivity to ensure a stable revenue base,
Daimyo’s capitals became bigger and cities of Japan became some of the most populated in the world.
Individual’s merit was valued more than his status
Culture of patronising theatre and the arts started. People started reading extensively.
Silk industry was developed in Nishijin. Stock market was created.
Social and intellectual changes like study of ancient Japanese literature, helped Japanese to feel proud about their history,

Discuss how daily life was transformed as Japan developed.

Ans: Japan’s transformation into a modern society can be seen also in the changes in everyday life in the following ways:

The patriarchal household system compromised many generations living together under the control of the head of the house, but as more people became affluent, new ideas of the family spread,
Nuclear family became prevalent, where husband and wife lived as breadwinner and homemaker. This new concept of domesticity in turn generated demands for new types of domestic goods, new types of family entertainment and new forms of housing.

How did the Qing dynasty try and meet the challenge posed by the Western powers?

Ans: The Qing dynasty could not meet the challenges posed by the western powers. It demanded for reforms but its position weakened after opium war (1839-42). This is the failure of Qing dynasty which led to the emergence of civil war in China.

What were sun Yat-Sen’s three principles?
Ans: Sun Yat-Sen’s three principles were:
Nationalism: Overthrowing the Manchu who were seen as a foreign dynasty, as well as other foreign imperialists.
Democracy: Establishing democratic government
Socialism: Regulating capital and equalising landholdings.
How did Korea deal with the foreign currency crisis in 1997?

Ans: In 1997, due to increasing trade deficits. Poor management by financial institution and reckless business operations by conglomerates, Korea faced a foreign currency crisis. The crisis was dealt with through emergency financial supports provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To improve the country’s economic condition simultaneous efforts were also made by the citizens. They actively contributed towards foreign loan repayment through the Gold Collection Movement.

10 Did Japan’s policy of rapid industrialisation lead to wars with its neighbours and destruction of the environment?

Ans: It is true that Japan’s policy of rapid industrialisation led to wars with its neighbours and destruction of the environment.

Effect on Relations With Neighbours Japan government launched its New policy ‘Fukoku—kyohei’ meaning rich country and strong army. To achieve this, it started rapid industrialisation policy.

Japan followed closed economy approach for 250 years. It’s only after Meiji restoration Japan adopted the open economy approach and Japan was modernised in all sectors including transportation, education, administration, communication and industrialisation. Japan become highly developed in first half of 20^th century. As Japan become highly industrialised it also entered into a race of imperialism in order to meet its increasing demands for raw material and market. Increasing aspiration for imperialism resulted in war with China in 1894 and with Russia (1904-1905).

Effect on Environment

The demand for raw material used in industries resulted in exploitation of natural resources. In this way, industrialisation had an adverse impact on the environment also. Further Japan’s emphasis on industrialisation affected the environment as cadmium poisoning and mercury poisoning in minamata were some of the effects of the rapid industrialisation.

Do you think that Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China were successful in liberating China and laying the basis for its current success?

Ans: Yes, I think that Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China were successful in liberating China and laying the basis for its current success. It was done in the following ways :

The Communist Party of China (CCP) was founded in 1921. Mao Zedong emerged as a major CCP leader who based his revolutionary programme on the peasantry.
Mao’s success made the CCP a powerful political force that ultimately won against the Guomindang. A strong peasants’ council was organised united through confiscation and redistribution of land.
Mao also stressed the need for an independent government and army. He also supported rural women’s associations.
In 1949, the Peoples Republic of China government was established. It was based on the principles of the New Democracy i.e. an alliance of all social classes.
Under Mao Leadership, the Great Leap Forward Movement was launched in 1958 and through it the country was united to industrialise rapidly.
People were encouraged to set up steel furnaces in their backyards. In the rural areas, people’s communes were started. Mao was able to mobilise the masses to attain the goals set by the Party.

Thus, we can see that, the present status of China as one of the leading global powers is due to the foundations laid by Mao Zedong in early period.

Did economic growth in South Korea contribute to its democratisation?

Ans: During the Chun administration economy grew remarkably. It grew from 1.7 per cent in 1980 to 13.2 per cent by 1983. At that time inflation also became low. This economic growth has contributed to democratisation in the following ways :

(i) It led to urbanisation in Korea.

(ii) It improved education levels of the citizens.

(iii) It caused media advancements.

(iv) It helped to grow citizen’s self awareness about political rights.

(v) It resulted into demands for a constitutional amendment. The Chun administration was forced to make a revision to the Constitution which alllowed direct elections. With this amendment a new Chapter of Korean democracy began.

Paths to Modernisation – Class 11 History NCERT Chapter-7