Develop an argument that analyzes the processes and/or characteristics of Japanese and Russian Industrialization.
Although both Japan and Russia used strong government involvement to promote industrial growth, Japan’s industrialization was more socially stable; in contrast, Russia’s industrialization caused several severe problems, including labor unrest and social tension because of worse working conditions and a lack of political reform. From the nineteenth to the twentieth century, both Japan and Russia tried to industrialize and urbanize themselves after realizing the huge positive effect, including economic growth, but also political pressure from Western Europe. After the Industrial Revolution spread from Western Europe, industrial power became an essential part of a nation’s strength, which forced other nations to get on the same page and catch up to the progress.
In Russia, industrialization was heavily directed by the state and focused on rapid economic growth through foreign capital. Sergey Witte argues that foreign investment was the only way for Russia to quickly stimulate technology and develop industry and move beyond exporting raw materials (Doc. 1). This shows that Russian industrialization was mainly designed and promoted to strengthen the state’s position and economic and technology status in global trade rather than improve worker conditions. Because this was a secret letter to Tsar Nicholas II, his purpose was to try toconvince the ruler to continue industrial reforms in that way, and he was the Russian finance minister, which explains why the document strongly emphasizes economic benefits, and Russia’s industrialization was strongly designed by the state. Similarly, a Russian merchant, Pavel Buryshkin, recalled that government policies such as protective tariffs and monetary reforms led to major industrial expansion and improved factory equipment (Doc. 6). This document reflects that the success of Russia’s industrialization was largely caused by the state’s intervention. Since the author benefited from these policies, his point of view reflects the elite’s economic thoughts that the state’s intervention was a major promotion. These documents all suggest that Russian industrialization was successful economically but focused mainly on state power and profits.
However, Russia’s industrial growth created serious social problems for workers. A Russian socialist named Source: S. I. Somov provides strong and direct evidence and describes the emotional intensity and suffering of workers from the 1904 to 1905 factory strikes, which emphasized that workers are mostly exhausted and in desperation (Doc. 4). Because the author participated in the strike, his point of view aligned with all other workers and emphasizes workers’ dissatisfaction rather regardless of national economic success. This is also supported by a Russian physician who reports extremely long working hours, child labor, and abuse of women workers (Doc. 7). The author intended to expose those awful Russian labor conditions. These documents show that Russian industrialization created deep social unrest instead of stability.
In contrast, Japan’s industrialization was also state-led but more controlled and socially integrated, which got a relatively stable outcome. A former Japanese prime minister, Count Okuma Shigenobu, explains that one of the principal measures adopted by the Meiji government, with the object of promoting national prosperity and enlightenment, was the education of the young as well as of grown men, some of whom held high government positions (Doc. 2). Because this article was published in a U.S. magazine, the author likely wanted to present Japan as a similar modern and equal level to Western nations. A photograph of a Japanese silk factory taken by an US photographer Julian Cochrane shows an organized industrial environment, and all workers are focused on their own task (Doc. 3). Since the photo was taken by a foreigner for educational materials, and no conflict or unrest was present in this photo, it was likely meant to demonstrate successful modernization and was a sign of recognition by other nations. Interviews with former Japanese silk workers show that most workers viewed their factory experience positively, especially in terms of pay and overall satisfaction (Doc. 5). Although the responses are mostly medium, at least it does not represent a huge portion of dissatisfaction. These sources suggest that Japanese industrial labor caused less unrest than in Russia. A Japanese industrialist called Tsurumi Shunsuke also explains that factory workers came from farming families and only needed to support themselves, which kept wages low but stable (Doc. 8). This shows how agriculture continued to support industrial development in Japan.
The Meiji Restoration also helped Japan to become relatively stable. By abolishing feudalism and centralizing political power, the Japanese government was able to implement nationwide reforms in industry, which created a stable modernization process. In contrast, Russia was ruled by a Tsar, and the lack of political reform increased worker frustration and unrest.