Japanese History: 2015 DBQ Q 3(b) by So Pui Shan 蘇沛珊 https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci "Japan's economic development after Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by internal factors." Do you agree? Explain your answer with reference to Source E and using your own knowledge (Source 3 marks; Own knowledge: 5 marks) en-us 2016-09-26 23:31:30 UTC 2019-03-21 09:11:31 UTC hello@padlet.com Harvey Kong https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126611953

I do not agree 
Although,according to source E,it is stated that   "Let's work to exhaustion to revitalize the new Japan."  showing that  Matsushita internally the Japanese wanted Japan and also it's economy to develop after the war,showing that internal factors to a small extent played a role in influencing the economic development after the second world war

According to my own knowledge,it was mostly the policies and aid brought by the Americans during the SCAP and subsequent periods up to the 1980s that prompted the economic development of Japan primarily.During the SCAP period,economic policies such as the nine principles of economic stabilization to aid with the problems of inflation and financial crisis in banks,moreover the implementation of the dodge plan which fixed the exchange rate between the US dollar and the  yen helped provide a solid base for economic development showing that the external factors had more of a influence.

Moreover,according to my own knowledge,the cold war also was an external factor influencing the economic development of Japan up to the 1980s,as the United States needed an ally in to contain the spread of communism,hence it received help from the United States to develop it's economy in order to resist communism,which makes it another external factor influencing the economic development of Japan .

]]> 2016-09-27 11:32:05 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126611953 Hetvi https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126642912 I agree with the statement to a large extent that "Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by internal factors".

With reference to Source E, many Japanese companies were focusing on developing the technology in Japan, which helped to develop Japan's economy. As mentioned in the source, Matsushita, a Japanese multinational electronics corporation was producing advanced electric devices for Japanese people, which can be reflected by the sentence "Matsushita has been moving forward with time, bringing the happiness of using electric devices to this generation and its people". Matsushita, which was a Japanese company, was helping to modernize Japan through its advanced technology, which led to the economic development of Japan. Therefore, it was the internal factor that led to Japan's economic development after WW2 up to the 1980s as Japanese companies were aiding in the development of the economy.

Moreover, according to Source E, Japanese people had great unity and worked hard together to achieve their goal of modernizing Japan, which led to Japan's economic development. As mentioned in the source, Matsushita is telling Japanese people "Unity is strength" and "Let's work to exhaustion to revitalise the new Japan". This implies that Japanese people were united to modernize Japan. In addition, it is stated that "We're proud of ourselves, For upholding the traditional noble aspirations, Matsushita". This shows that Japanese people were proud to achieve their common goal, which was the modernization and development of Japan, which they achieved with their unity and hard work. Hence, Japan's economic development after WW2 up to the 1980s was because of the unity and willingness of Japanese people to develop their country.

According to my knowledge, the Japanese government carried out macro-economic plans to develop Japan's economy. The Japanese government increased government spending and improved the infrastructure, which stimulated the economic development. The Japanese government also made the "Income Doubling Plan" in 1960 to double the average income of Japanese people and provide full employment by 1970. The Plan was successful and Japan's GNP and national income of 1970 increased greatly. This shows that the Japanese government's policies helped to develop Japan's economy by providing suitable economic environment for businesses and for Japanese people. Therefore, the efforts made by the Japanese government, which is an internal factor, led to Japan's economic development after WW2 up to the 1980s.

However, the economic development of Japan was also influenced by external factors. According to my knowledge, the US facilitated the economic development of Japan by supplying raw materials and investing in Japanese companies. The US continued to supply raw materials to Japan after the end of the Occupation Period, which helped Japan develop iron and steel, electricity, railways and other industries. Moreover, the US bought 25% of Japan's exports in the 1950s, which greatly helped to boost the Japanese economy. Besides, the US continued to become Japan's biggest trading partner, which facilitated the development of Japan's economy. Due to the US's economic assistance to Japan, Japan could develop its economy after WW2. Therefore, it can be said that Japan's economic development after WW2 up to the 1980s was because of external factors due to the US's help.

However, the influence of internal factors in Japan's economic development is more significant than that of external factors. Therefore, I still agree with the statement to a large extent that    "Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by internal factors".]]> 2016-09-27 13:11:50 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126642912 Simran :) https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126643063 I agree with the statement 'Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980's was primarily influenced by internal factors''  to a large extent.

Firstly from Source E, it is known that that the Japanese people are very hardworking, united and with morale from the phrases ''with high morale we gather again, Matsushita'', ''Unity is strength'' and ''Let's work to exhaustion to revitalize Japan''. These traits allowed extensive economic development in Japan as it had a motivated labor force which was eager to revitalize Japan. Thus, the character of the citizens, which is an internal factor, influenced Japan's economic growth after the Second World War up to the 1980's.

Secondly, from Source E it is also known that after the Second World War there was major leap in technological development in Japan as technological and industrial companies like National and Matsushita which are mentioned in the source work hard to create electronic consumer goods like electronic devices. The phrase '' Let's go across the oceans and on the way turn sand into tower'' shows that Japan was also planning to sell its consumer goods ''across oceans'' to other countries to earn export trade. This rise in electronic development internally which could raise large capital can thus influence and improve Japan's economic development.

Additionally, from my own knowledge, the local Japanese Government played an active role in supporting local businesses. They did this by firstly providing them with a stable business environment through having very few public enterprises and the majority of Japan's economic activities being run by private enterprises so as to keep the economy of Japan stable even through political changes. Furthermore, the local Japanese Government also provided to support to small and medium enterprises by providing them a favorable business environment so that both the types of companies could develop independently and be encouraged to innovate. These two types of support were internal factors that positively influenced Japan's economic development. 

However, also from my own knowledge, there was also an external reason that positivey influenced Japan's economic development after the Second World War which was International Instability. 
The recovery of Japan could be attributed to the change in International conditions because during the Cold War period, the Korean Government (1950-1953) also provided favourable economic conditions for Japanese economic development because  during the war Japan was asked by The US to provide war supplies such as tanks to them. This caused the rapid industrial development of Japan and propelled their economy.

Conclusively, internal factors played a larger role in influencing Japan's economic development then external factors.]]> 2016-09-27 13:12:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126643063 Charlson Kam https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126644055 I do not agree
According to my own knowledge, American aid was important on the recovery of Japan. The US occupied Japan in 1945-52 and carried out comprehensive economic reforms in Japan. For example, US launched the Tenant- Farmer Establishment Special Measurement Law" which allowed the government to purchase all the farmlands from landlords. After that, lands were sold to farmers at a low price. This reform resumed agricultural production which improve Japan's economy. Moreover, US proposed "Anti- Monopoly Act" was issued to dismiss Zaibatsu, it helped to prevent monopoly and capital accumulation, so encouraged more investment and economic activities in Japan. Last but not least,  US sent an economic adviser, Joseph Dodge, to Japan for assisting economic recovery. Therefore, it shows that Japan's economic development after Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by external factors.

According to my own knowledge, war procurement boosted Japan's economy. During the Korean War 1950-53, US used Japan as the strategic base for supporting South Korea, provided war supplies like machines, tanks and food etc. Moreover, Japan automobile industry received a US order of 10000 military vehicles in 1950, so Japan got 1.6 billion USD of business order from the US in the Korean war which to a large extent improved Japan's economy. Therefore, external factor had great influence to Japan's recovery.

However, Japan had concrete economic foundation which improved Japan's economy. According to source e, it mentioned "bringing the happiness of using electric devices to this generation and its people", it shows that Japan focused in developing knowledge-intensive industries which need less energy, attract more foreign investment and boosted the economy of Japan. But Japan were able to develop this industry is because with the help of US, helping Japan to stabilize the economy and put more capital on industrialization but not military, so external factor influence more on the Japan's economic development.   




]]> 2016-09-27 13:14:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126644055   m https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673542 2016-09-27 14:20:13 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673542  Clarita https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673559 I  agree with the statement.

Firstly, according to source E, it mentioned "Unity is strength", and "let's work to exhaustion to revitalize the new Japan", which means that Japan in all its power, would do anything regardless off the consequences to make it's economic development great again, such as the technological advancement in this case. 
Secondly, ]]> 2016-09-27 14:20:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673559  C https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673692 2016-09-27 14:20:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126673692 Nick https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126678031 I agree with the statement.

According to source E, the lyrics stated the Japanese needed to revitalize Japan and also "unity is strength". it shows that Japanese understand the importance of unity to modernize japan and bring economic development. matasushita company had the idea of developing advanced technology to bring out economic activities. thus,  Japan's economic development is influenced by internal factors.

According to my own knowledge, during the period 1952 to 1964, japan succeeded in developing home appliances that were more suitable to Asian market; held the Olympic game. --> the tech was developed internally and encouraged trading throughout Asia, japan themselves brought up economic activities and development but not external influence. 

Another point with own knowledge

]]> 2016-09-27 14:29:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126678031 Steven Benhamouche  https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126679189 To a large extent I do not agree with the statement. 
To begin with my own knowledge, US aid was very important to post-war Japan.  The US occupied Japan in 1945-52, as known as the SCAP period, carried out various comprehensive reforms which brought great influences to the Japan’s economy. Beginning from SCAP’s effort to solve numerous economy problems post war, such as inflation is solved by Dodge Plan which attract investment, 
Secondly SCAP solved the issue of low productivity due to lack of resources and war destruction by granting US loans and starting Nine Principles of Economic Stabilization. Furthermore, SCAP passed the Farm Land Reform Law. Which allows lands which is bought back by SCAP government from the landlords to be resold to private farmers in cheap prices, this highly boosted the motivation of people’s will of producing good and eventually boost the economy. 
These policies has a very positive effect on Japan’s post world war economy as it created more job opportunities and boost all sectors of economy. 
The above mentioned stresses the importance of SCAP and the US aid to Japan’s economic development. 
 
To continue quoting my own knowledge, the economic development of Japan after World War was up to external factor such as the Cold War. The cold war, alongside with its regional conflicts in Asia, has greatly tighten the partnership between US and Japan, which US needed Japan to be the fount line base of containing the spread of Communist Influence in Asia. Furthermore, during the regional conflict in between US and the Asian countries/USSR, Japan is served as a supply port. These 2 factors greatly boost Japan’s economy as the wars demand greatly boost the Japanese economy and the need of Japan’s remaining on the same side with the US has gave US more initiative to develop Japan’s economy.
However, to a small extent, the economic development of Japan’s economy has also due to its internal factors, to begin with was the willingness of Japan people to rebuild their own country, take an example from the source E,  where it stresses the importance’s of working together by and I quote “Let’s now advance and Let’s work to exhaustion to revitalize the new Japan” These 2 lines marked the personally quality of Japanese people of their wishes to strive for the betterment of their future. 
Although to a small extent that shows the economic development of Japan’s economic is based on the wiliness of people. However, it’s still is not as significant as the external US and International factors such as Cold wars, as these polices made me the US and SCAP has greatly affected Japanese’ economy in a large, effective and speedy way. Therefore, it trumps over the importance of the personal willingness of the people. 

]]> 2016-09-27 14:31:51 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126679189 Alice https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126684634 I do not agree with that statement.

According to my own knowledge, Japan was occupied by the allied power, especially the US right after the Second World War.  During the SCAP period,  the US provided a number of policies to recover Japan's economy. For example they issued the Nine Principles of Economic Stabilization to help to solve post-war problems like inflation, financial crises. They also launched the Land Reform Law which land were bought from the landlords and sold to tenant peasant at a cheap price in order to increase productivity. This had made most of the peasants had their own land and farm which helped Japanese economy. Therefore Japan's economic development after the WWII was also influenced by the US.

According to my own knowledge, In the period of 1950-1970, the US also helped a lot for the Japan's economic growth.  According to the Mutual Security Pact, US troops wold continue to station in Japan for defence, so that it could reduce Japan's military expenditure. And this had successfully allowed the Japanese government limit its military expense to less than 1% of GNP. Also, according to the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed in 1952, Japan promised to provide material resources and labour to Southeast Asian countries so that the trading of Japan increased, employment rate also increased.  Therefore, Japan's economy development also affected by the external factors.

 However according to source E, it has shown that the contributions of Japanese enterprises were very important. The company of source E produces electronic products and  at the 1970s, many Japanese enterprises produced high-tech goods. They were even able to expand their sales in overseas markets and helped japan's economic development during 1970s-1980s. This would be the internal factor of japan's economic development. 
To conclude, there are several external factors affecting the japan's economic development after the WWII to 1980, but not primarily influenced by internal factors. Therefore i do not agree.]]> 2016-09-27 14:42:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126684634 Joyce https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126688607 I do not agree with the statement .
According to source E, the lyrics inclued" Unity is strength"and "With high moral we gather together".It shows that the japanese know the importance of unity and they unit together and work as a team to make Japan strong again. They have high spirite of unity and work together.The unity of japanese help them workhard together and focus on economic development. Also in the song " We're proud of ourselves"shows that they did not feel discourage instate they feel proud of themselves and do not blame on others. They relay on themselves and work hard.
According to my oqn knowledge,]]> 2016-09-27 14:50:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126688607 Tommy https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126689339 I disagree with the statement. According to my own knowledge, the Japanese required large amount of American assistance post-WWII, such as the land reform, and the disposal of economic advisers as well as breaking up zaibatsu. Also, rapid economic growth period was partially due to US assistance, who contributed to Japan's three economic booms.]]> 2016-09-27 14:52:30 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126689339 Joyce  https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126698730 I do not agree with the statement .

According to source E, the lyrics inclued" Unity is strength"and "With high moral we gather together".It shows that the japanese know the importance of unity and they unit together and work as a team to make Japan strong again. They have high spirite of unity and work together.The unity of japanese help them workhard together and focus on economic development. Also in the song " We're proud of ourselves"shows that they did not feel discourage instate they feel proud of themselves and do not blame on others. They relay on themselves and work hard.

According to my own knowledge, Japan government put lots of emphasis on economic development. Japan joined GATT at1955 and it helps janan built a better network to do trade with other countries it help Japan's economic recovered rapidly. Alsp the japanese government carry out new economic plan every few years ,in this way Japan could make update reaction to the global market and also keep improving the plans. It also help japanese to focus on economic development.

Moreover the skills and education level of jananese worket are high .That is the result of government put lots of efforts ondeveloping tertiary education.With their skills and knowledge they could come up with lots of idea intechnology which makes japan products propular around the world and make economic development improve a lot.]]> 2016-09-27 15:11:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126698730 Jasmine Mok S https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126705830 I disagree with the statement that "Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by internal factors" to a large extent.

According to my own knowledge, the economic development of Japan after the Second World War was influenced by external factors such as the Cold War. During the Cold War, the Republic of China was established, because of this the United States thought that they needed a reliable ally in Asia to contain the spread of communism. As a result, United States made Japan an ally and helped them reconstruct their economy, so that they can resist communism. Therefore, the Cold War is an external factor that influenced Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s, as it brought in the help the United States to reconstruct the economy.

Besides, according to my knowledge, it was the reforms and policies raised by the United States during the SCAP period that encouraged the reconstruction of Japan's economy. During the SCAP period, the United States passed the "Deconcentration Law" to dissolve the zaibatsu, which once controlled Japan's economy. It helped to prevent monopoly and capital accumulation. In fact, it has even succeeded in encouraging more investment and economic activities. As a result, Japan succeeded in combating zaibatsu and increased economic activities. Hence, the United States, being an external factor had great influence in Japan's economic reconstruction in terms of freeing them from monopoly and increasing economic productivity to rebuild the economy.

Yet, some people may say that the government encouraged enterprises to focus on knowledge-intensive industries that consumed less energies such as the production of household appliances. As mentioned from Source E, "Matsushita (electric industrial company) has been moving forward with time, bringing the happiness of using electronic devices to this generation and its people" implies that the company brings advanced technology to facilitate local's everyday lives. In fact, the government even gave these industries financial incentives and tax reduction. However, the government would not have been able to provide "financial incentives" if it was not for the initial help of the United States, which stabilised the local economy. Therefore, the United States, being an external factor had great influence in Japan's economic reconstruction in terms of building a strong foundation and stabilising the economy that influenced Japan's  economic development. 

Moreover, according to source E, the Japanese people were united to work hard in terms of reconstructing the economy. With reference from the source, Matsushita said, "Let's work to exhaustion to revitalise the new Japan" which shows that the Japanese worked to the best of their capabilities to revitalise Japan. As a result, they feel accomplished, which can be reflected by the line "We're proud of ourselves". But I think that the Japanese would not have accomplished such results simply because of their positivity and hard work. For instance, the SCAP government introduced new farming techniques, chemical fertilisers and insecticides to Japan. As a result, the handwork contributed by Japan was facilitated by the "farming techniques" introduced by the United States.Therefore, the external influence was more significant as it facilitated the economic development through agricultural reforms.

In conclusion, although some people have reasons to think that the internal factors primarily influenced the economic development of Japan after the Second World War until the 1980s, I believe that the external factors played a more significant role. In fact, the reason for this is that the external factors may be overlooked, which is why I disagree with this statement to a large extent.]]> 2016-09-27 15:26:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126705830 Nicolei https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126789479 I disagree with the given statement.

According to my own knowledge, 
Japan's econmic development wasn't primarily influneced by inetrna; factors but multiple external factors like the SCAP period in which US was alongside with Japan in growing their economic development.The SCAP period concists of  effective policies  such as the anti-monopoly policy in which they passed the Deconcentration Law to dissolve zaibatsu. This allowed more investment and economic activities to occur.

Furthermore, to my own knowledge, the Cold War was of an influence to Japan's economy. The Cold War has brought more expansion of communism and that with US dependant on Asia to contain communism, Japan has benifitted from the agitated US as they were aided by the US to rebuild their economy. Also, the financial assistance Japan got from the US during the Korean War as US ordered alot of strategic commodities from Japan and the US soldiers have engage more in business activites by spending alot of money on local goods and services which increased  the income and purchasing power of Japanese people. 

Despite the external influence, from source E we can notice the internal dvelopment was of an influence to themsleves. The source mentioned "Matsushit has been moving forward with time" and " Bringing happiness of using electric devices to this generation and its people." This implies that this business was able to rise up Japan's economy development by undergoing business exchanges with the Japanese consumers as they buy or sell their electronics. In terms of moving forward with time, like Matsushita,such companies manage to facilitate business es in Japan which is beneficial to them.

Therefore, with the frequency of external factors that helped enhance Japan's economy like the SCAP period and certain internal factors like the electric industrial company, we can tell that Japan was primarily influence by the external factors which explains my disagreement witht the statement.]]> 2016-09-27 18:57:46 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126789479 Natalie https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126976800 I dont agree the statement .

According to my own knowledge, Japan's economic development are influenced by other external factor.After WWII , US helped Japan with her economic recovery after the war.For example,in tilted production,Japan post-war infrastructure such as railways,bridges, buildings and industries required a lot of steels.Therefore,the Japanese government decided to tilt its production focus to steel and coal industries .Owing to such a correct decision the Japanese economy was saved from collapse and was on the road to recovery .Such US POLICY WAS VERY EFFECTIVE IN RESTORING POST-WAR Japanese agricultural and industries production and establishing a stable foundation for the subsequent Japanese economic development.Thus US WAS DECISIVE FACTOR OF HELPING JAPAN PRIMARILY.
According to source E it mentioned unity is strength It shown that it think Japan's economic development help Japanese a lot by unity.However by comparsion in terms of the swift and long term Japanese economic development the US played a more important role than the Japanese unique methods .]]> 2016-09-28 14:26:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/126976800 Leia Chan S6C https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/127033084 I disagree with the statement.

Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s was primarily influenced by external factors. According to my own knowledge, from 1945 to 1952, the SCAP Government established a number of policies and reforms which were significant for Japan's economic growth. One example would be the Nine Principles of Economic Stabilization issued by the SCAP government in 1948 which solved Japan's post war problems such as inflation and financial crises of banks. Other than the Nine Principles of Economic Stabilization, the SCAP Government also passed the Deconcentration Law to dissolve the Zaibatsu which prevented monopoly and capital accumulation to stack towards the few businesses, it allowed more investment and economic activities to thrive. These policies was essential for Japanese economic recovery and laid a foundation for the Japanese Government to rebuild.

Other than the assistance from the SCAP government. Japan's economic development was also influenced by the favorable effects of the Cold War. Since after the breakout of Cold War, US needed a reliable ally in Asia to contain Communism which led to the decision of helping Japan rebuilding its economy instead of punishing Japan severely for its role in the World War. During the Cold War period, US also ordered a lot of strategic commodities from Japan for the Korean War, which increased Japan's foreign exchange reserves from US$200 million in 1949 to US$1.4 billion in 1952. In turn raising the income and the purchasing power of the Japanese people significantly.

However with reference to Source E, it showed that the contribution of Japanese enterprises and the development of advanced technologies were important influences to the economic development as well. The products created by the enterprises were important exports overseas that led to Japan to become the biggest exporter of electronic products, as well as contributing to the reduction of energy consumption which saved Japan a lot of resources and energy comparing to other countries in the same period.

In conclusion, Japan's economic development after the Second World War up to the 1980s were primarily influenced by external factors such as the SCAP Government and the effects of Cold War more than the internal factors such as the contribution of enterprises and development of technology as illustrated above. Therefore I disagree with the statement.




]]> 2016-09-28 16:40:10 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/127033084 Melody https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/127124209 disagree : 
Source e : from "let's work to exhaustion to revitalise the new Japan" suggested the internal's power in terms of industrial company effort to promote economic development after WWII ;
However 
Own knowledge : external > ( primarily ) internal factor
(1) E.g SCAP > Japan itself :
It was The SCAP government effort of setting up a stabilised economic environment - without them, what's seen on source e, the redevelop of industrial company might not even be seen 
(2)it is the favourable environment that assisted Japan post WWll econ development > internal factor (primarily)
E.g the "San Francisco peace treaty" that made promised to supply materials to South East Asian countries as reparations -> promoter its econ development 
;]]> 2016-09-28 22:45:10 UTC https://padlet.com/sps2/9s594x2vtuci/wish/127124209