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Episode 21: Industrialization Outside the West

Episode 21: Industrialization Outside the West

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In this episode I explore how major non-Western powers responded to the global surge of industrialization in the 19th century. I examine the concept of latecomer industrialization and compare the very different paths taken by Russia and Japan as they attempted to catch up to Western Europe. The episode highlights Russia’s uneven, state-driven efforts and explains why the empire remained politically powerful despite economic weakness. I then turn to Japan’s transformative Meiji reforms, showing how the country rapidly centralized authority, adopted Western knowledge, and built a modern industrial state. Finally, the episode traces key turning points—from the Crimean War to Matthew Perry’s arrival in Japan—to show how external pressure, internal reform, and global competition reshaped both empires.






Question 1 00:00

Question 2 03:21

Question 3 05:41

Question 4 08:01

Question 5 10:08

Question 6 12:35

Question 7 14:36

Question 8 17:27

Question 9 19:24
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