The Meaning of Colonialism: the Economic Development of Weaker Nations
Introduction As defined ¡°The purpose of colonialism include economic exploitation of the colony¡¯s natural resources, creation of new markets for the colonizer, and extension of the colonizer¡¯s way of life beyond its national borders¡± ( ). This definition fails include creation economic development weaker nations. The meaning of Japanese colonialism is the development of an advanced economic structure in the inferior, underdeveloped country of Korea. In this essay, I will argue that during Japanese colonialism in Korea, Japan built an economic infrastructure in an inferior nation of Korea. I will cross examine events of colonialism by European nations and give reason to why colonialism should be seen in a positive perspective. I will conclude by stating that even though empire seize to exist, a new form of an empire has risen and spreads a way of life across the world.
Status of Korea before colonialism Before the occupation by Japan, Korea was an underdeveloped country. Unlike Korea, Japan developed profitable, agricultural businesses before the nineteenth century and had a higher socioeconomic status that of China (Cumings pg.490). China was a much larger nation, so there was more chance of success in building an upper ruling class. Unlike Korea, Japan was able to live through a competitive business environment and experience a prosperous trade market in cities like Edo and Osaka (Cumings pg.490). Though the government was strong, it was not strong enough to begin economic development, because it was often fighting for resources with the upper classes and also experienced clashes with people of the lower class (Cumings pg. 490). The upper classes in Korea maintained dominance which did not allow for competition of business to occur happen, hence the nation had a slower development rate. The nation of Japan had less social class conflicts and gained power through its thriving economy.
Contributions of Japanese colonialism During its occupation, Japan
Status of Korea before colonialism Before the occupation by Japan, Korea was an underdeveloped country. Unlike Korea, Japan developed profitable, agricultural businesses before the nineteenth century and had a higher socioeconomic status that of China (Cumings pg.490). China was a much larger nation, so there was more chance of success in building an upper ruling class. Unlike Korea, Japan was able to live through a competitive business environment and experience a prosperous trade market in cities like Edo and Osaka (Cumings pg.490). Though the government was strong, it was not strong enough to begin economic development, because it was often fighting for resources with the upper classes and also experienced clashes with people of the lower class (Cumings pg. 490). The upper classes in Korea maintained dominance which did not allow for competition of business to occur happen, hence the nation had a slower development rate. The nation of Japan had less social class conflicts and gained power through its thriving economy.
Contributions of Japanese colonialism During its occupation, Japan
Cited: Cumings, Bruce. 1994. The Legacy of Japanese Colonialism In Korea rule of law.¡± Asiaweek.com, June 6, 1998, http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/98/0612/cs7.html McElroy, Wendy. 2004. West Africa and Colonialism: Part 1-2 Branch. 1945. Aliens in Japan, June 29.