The Industrialization of Japan and Manchukuo, 1930-1940: Population, Raw Materials and Industry by E. B. Schumpeter (Collection #26)
E. B. Schumpeter's book, The Industrialization of Japan and Manchukuo, 1930-1940: Population, Raw Materials and Industry, provides an in-depth analysis of the economic and industrial developments in Japan and Manchukuo (Manchuria) during the crucial decade leading up to World War II. Schumpeter examines how Japan's expansion into Manchuria was driven by both economic ambitions and strategic necessities. The book focuses on the demographic changes, the exploitation of raw materials, and the growth of industry in these regions.
Schumpeter delves into the population dynamics of both Japan and Manchukuo, highlighting how migration and population policies influenced industrial growth. The text explores how the influx of Japanese settlers and the exploitation of Manchurian resources were integral to Japan's broader economic strategies. He provides detailed accounts of how industrial infrastructure was developed, including the establishment of factories and the growth of sectors such as steel, coal, and textiles.
The book also addresses the interplay between raw materials and industrial output, illustrating how access to Manchuria's resources supported Japan's rapid industrialization and militarization. Schumpeter's analysis offers valuable insights into the economic underpinnings of Japan’s imperial ambitions and the strategic importance of Manchukuo in Japan’s economic and military planning during this period.
The Role of Industrialization of Manchuria During WWII
The industrialization of Manchuria played a pivotal role in Japan's wartime strategy during World War II. As Japan sought to expand its military capabilities and sustain its war efforts, Manchuria’s resources and industrial base became increasingly crucial. The region’s rich deposits of coal, iron ore, and other raw materials were vital for Japan's heavy industries, which produced the weapons and machinery needed for the war.
Manchuria was also strategically significant because it provided Japan with a base for further expansion into China and other parts of Asia. The development of infrastructure, such as railways and factories, in Manchuria was geared towards supporting military operations and enhancing Japan’s economic self-sufficiency. The Japanese government prioritized the region’s industrial capacity, leading to extensive development of facilities for arms production and resource extraction.
Manchukuo served as a laboratory for Japanese economic and military policies, including the integration of occupied territories into Japan's wartime economy. The industrial output from Manchuria was essential for sustaining Japan’s war effort, helping to support its campaigns across the Asia-Pacific region. The exploitation of Manchurian resources and labor not only bolstered Japan’s military capabilities but also exemplified the strategic importance of resource-rich territories in wartime economies.
This collection provides documents of the book, split into different parts.
Credits
Jenny Myer