5.6 Industrialization: Government’s Role Big Idea Different states reacted to Western industrialization differently based on government strength, willingness to reform, and foreign pressure. ⸻ Ottoman Empire 🕌 • Did not modernize early → corruption, weak leadership, ethnic nationalism. • Nicknamed “the sick man of Europe.” • Europeans (especially Russia) took advantage of Ottoman weakness. • Empire collapsed after World War I, replaced by Turkey and smaller states. Muhammad Ali & Egypt • Muhammad Ali became governor of Egypt (1805). • Ruled semi-independently from the Ottoman sultan. • State-sponsored industrialization: • Modernized the military using European models. • Built textile factories, armament factories, and shipyards. • Government controlled cotton production through heavy taxation. • Used steam power to boost textile production. • Seen as the first modern ruler of Egypt. ⸻ China 🇨🇳 • Faced humiliation from the Opium Wars and spheres of influence. • Central government weakened by European imperialism. • Unable to effectively promote industrialization in the 19th century. • Industrialization lagged compared to Japan. ⸻ Japan 🇯🇵 & the Meiji Restoration • Japan successfully industrialized through strong government action. • Commodore Matthew Perry (1853–54) forced Japan to open to trade. • Fear of Western domination led to reform. • Meiji Restoration (1868): • Overthrew the shogun. • Restored power to the emperor. Meiji Reforms • Abolished feudalism (Charter Oath). • Created a constitutional monarchy. • Equality before the law. • Modernized military (Prussian model, conscription). • Built railroads and roads. • Created modern education system. • Government subsidized key industries (silk, tea, shipbuilding, weapons). • Funded reforms through high agricultural taxes. Results • Rapid industrial growth (coal, railroads, steamships). • Growth of zaibatsu (large family-owned businesses). • Industrialization caused worker exploitation (especially women). ⸻ Key Comparison • China: weak government → limited industrialization. • Ottoman Empire: slow reforms → decline. • Japan: strong central government → rapid industrialization. ⸻ SAQ Examples – Unit 5.6 SAQ 1: Ottoman Empire A. The Ottoman Empire failed to adopt Western industrial technology, weakening its economy. B. Corruption and ethnic nationalism caused internal instability. C. European powers exploited Ottoman weakness, leading to its collapse after WWI. ⸻ SAQ 2: Muhammad Ali & Egypt A. Muhammad Ali modernized Egypt’s military using European models. B. He used state-controlled cotton production to fund reforms. C. He promoted industrialization by building textile and armament factories. ⸻ SAQ 3: China A. China was weakened by the Opium Wars and European spheres of influence. B. Foreign domination weakened China’s central government. C. This prevented effective state-led industrialization in the 19th century. ⸻ SAQ 4: Meiji Restoration A. Commodore Perry’s arrival exposed Japan’s vulnerability to Western powers. B. The Meiji Restoration restored power to the emperor in 1868. C. Japan adopted Western technology to preserve independence. ⸻ SAQ 5: Meiji Industrialization A. The Japanese government abolished feudalism and centralized power. B. It invested in railroads, education, and industry. C. These reforms led to rapid industrial growth but also worker exploitation.