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Denis VovchenkoExplain to students the econ growth vs. development dilemma - Tough task – I would try to remind the students of the debate raging in the US now. Although there is economic growth before and “after” COVID, one could argue that there is no “development” – the economy continues to deindustrialize and to privilege “the service sector.” There seems to be an emerging bi-partisan consensus about the need to “build back better.”
Denis VovchenkoI think that in his Throwing Off Asia essay, John Dower distinguished between inward-oriented isolationist Tokugawa Shogunate period and the post-1867 outward-looking Meiji westernization that followed. In over three hundred years of self-imposed seclusion, the seeds of modernization had been planted - political stability and centralization, commercial economy and national market, rising literacy rates.
Denis VovchenkoAnother note on Mitsukoshi – the Wikipedia entry mentioned that after WWII the Seoul branch was taken over by Samsung and renamed “Shinsegae”, which means “New World.” It seems that the Korean owners picked up the fallen torch to highlight their version of Western modernity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsukoshi#Former_stores
Denis VovchenkoI loved Noriko’s module on Mitsukoshi stores and especially the part on imperialism. I got a sense that their patriotic fare was just a reflection of the management’s genuine support for Japan’s victories and expansion. Still, I wonder how calculating the management was. Did they sell nationalist-themed stuff to meet or create consumer demand? Did they take cues from the government on how to promote Japan’s grandeur? Since they were allowed to open stores in conquered lands (Dalian and Seoul), they must have had connections to the War Ministry, right?
Denis VovchenkoA question for both Noriko and Bruce. Since Chikanobu and Kiyoshika both fought for the Shogunate, are nostalgia and melancholy in their art political in nature?
Denis VovchenkoOn Fukazawa Ikichi's famous “Throwing Off Asia,” how widespread was the term “Asia” in late 19th c. Japan? Was his target audience broad enough?
From my limited knowledge, even today most “Asians” are not strongly aware of it and identify with their countries first, right?
Denis VovchenkoSurprisingly, I knew about the MIT website. I am a big fan of John Dower’s classic War Without Mercy – an engaging well-illustrated analysis of the Pacific War propaganda. I was able to successfully use this series of articles and images by John Dower in an online discussion in HIST 3293 Europe, 1815-1914. Here is what I did.
Denis VovchenkoHi, Molly,
Huge questions! I found this video helpful (and I assign it in my Asian history class).
“The Meiji Revolution” Episode 2 in The Pacific Century (Annenberg, PBS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gURiHVTJX4A
Denis Vovchenko
Per Clay’s request, I am spelling out my question to him today (12 Sept 2022). Qianlong’s reply to George III’s mission (1794) raised several questions in my brain at least. Did Qianlong’s arrogance simply go back to the vassal state tradition? Or did he also know about George III’s loss of the 13 colonies? Another parallel I had in mind was Selim III’s letter to Louis XVI. Clearly, Selim III was a new sultan in contrast to the much more experienced Qianlong. Still, Selim III came from the Ottoman tradition of treating the Christian (and Shiite Iranian) rulers as inferior. Still, Selim III asked for advice instead of semi-politely rejecting any contact in the manner of Qianlong in 1794. In both cases, pride goes before fall. In 1796, China would be plunged into the White Lotus Uprising (1796-1804). Selim III’s model, Louis XVI, would be humbled following the Bastille Day that same year. Not to say that the French king was totally incompetent. He would accept the constitution but then it would be a perfect storm for both rulers. Selim III would outlive Louis XVI but would also fall victim to internal violence in 1805-1807.
Denis VovchenkoI am assuming Clay is going to share his great chart in jpeg or PowerPoint – it is a great starting point but without context it seems to naturalize various economic trajectories –imperialism was another “invisible hand.” I am referring to the destruction of competing Indian handicrafts by the British overlords in the 1700s and 1800s, the “opening” of the Ottoman Empire and of China after the Crimean War and the Opium Wars respectively. Students might remember from American history that at the same time the USA was rapidly industrializing using high tariffs as a shield against cheaper British goods. Did you anyone have that kind of teaching moment?
Denis VovchenkoEconomic growth is a hotly debated topic in this country (globalization and outsourcing vs. reindustrialization and protectionism etc.) Based on the assigned readings and the chart, was China’s failure to industrialize in the 1800s PRIMARILY a result of the choices made by its leadership or of the policies imposed by foreign interventions? Write your response in a 5-minute essay and share it in a small group.
Denis VovchenkoIn my Asian history class, I will try to make use of those great readings and Clay’s points on population. In the past, in the introductory online forum, I had students introduce themselves and think of what constitutes “Asia” based on the assigned video and short readings criticizing the Eurocentric origin of the term “Asia”, arguing for the cultural unity of East Asia (Sino-centric Confucian), and the environmentally determined unity of “Monsoon Asia.” Here is my actual Discussion 1 assignment.
August 24 Discussion 1
What is Asia?
Is Asia a “real” or a “fake” concept? In other words, is it a legitimate unit of study and analysis? Why? In your response, cite specific pages and movie scenes from all assigned materials.
Denis VovchenkoAll four Discussion 1 articles focus on longterm changes, an end of an era of Asian economic miracles (slowing or declining population growth, inefficient agriculture, shrinking fulltime job prospects). These sad trends may have a silver lining – pollution as in S. Korea (and China) should get less bad with fewer people and less dynamic industrial growth going forward. What do you think?
Denis VovchenkoHi, everyone,
I am happy to be able to participate in another USC workshop! There are few such opportunities online or face-to-face here in Oklahoma where I teach European and world history courses at Northeastern State University. My own specialty is modern European history but I have a Eurasian focus on Christian Orthodox identity politics in Russia, the Ottoman Empire, and its successor states (1856-1939). Born and raised in Kazakhstan, I also have some Central Asian expertise.
Aging population assignment – immigration is a hot topic in this country. Based on the assigned short readings, which country is more likely to encourage immigration to address its demographic decline – China or Japan? Why? Write your response in a 5-minute essay and share it in a small group.
Denis VovchenkoKorea is often given less attention in Asian history textbooks than it deserves
