Modernization Theory

The modernization theory was created after WWII, while looking at the big Western countries. The ones who had industrialized at the time were the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. The theory is that all developing countries have to imitate what the already industrialized countries did in order to develop. The United States, especially, were fearful that countries were. being exposed to communist ideals and the modernization theory opened a door for more capitalist and democratic views. It is interesting to see how the modernization theory played out for Japan. Japan was one of the first countries in East Asia to successfully modernize. Before WWII Japan had already gone through industrialization and economic modernization but did not have a democracy for their government. Because the Japanese culture prioritizes hierarchy and obedience there was a strong authoritarian fascist government. Once Japan was defeated in WWII America stepped in and got involved. Quickly, the United States government implement democracy. Then they focused on growing their industry and technology to help with modernization. The US government then lent money, got licensing, organized foreign exchange, as well as brought materials to help grow their industry. By the 1960s the US was making tariffs to protect the Japanese market from competitors to make them a modernized country. It is interesting to see how although America ultimately implemented the characteristics of the modernization theory to grow the economy, prior to WWII the economy had actually already industrialized successfully without the use of democracy.

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