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The effects of the unequal treaties on normative, economic and institutional changes in 19th century Japan

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  • Toshihiro Atsumi
  • Daniel M. Bernhofen

Abstract

Japan's mid 19th century transition from 200 years of self-imposed autarky to open trade is the main success story of East Asian integration into the world economy during the first wave of globalization (1850-1914). This article reviews the economic, institutional and normative changes within Japan that were triggered by the unequal treaties following Admiral Perry's arrival in 1853. These changes were instrumental for Japan's industrial success and catching up with the western powers on economic and military terms by the eve of World War I. We argue that Japan provides an interesting case study of a nation which was able to overcome, what economist Paul Romer has called 'idea gaps' (lack of ideas to produce economic value) and 'object gaps' (lack of factories, physical infrastructure) in the economic development process.

Suggested Citation

  • Toshihiro Atsumi & Daniel M. Bernhofen, 2011. "The effects of the unequal treaties on normative, economic and institutional changes in 19th century Japan," Discussion Papers 11/19, University of Nottingham, GEP.
    • Handle: RePEc:not:notgep:11/19
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    File URL: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/gep/documents/papers/2011/11-19.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Becker, Sascha & Woessmann, Ludger, 2008. "Luther and the Girls: Religious Denomination and the Female Education Gap in 19th Century Prussia," Stirling Economics Discussion Papers 2008-20, University of Stirling, Division of Economics.
    2. Romer, Paul, 1993. "Idea gaps and object gaps in economic development," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 543-573, December.
    3. Atsumi, Toshihiro, 2010. "Silk, regional rivalry, and the impact of the port openings in nineteenth century Japan," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 519-539, December.
    4. Daniel M. Bernhofen & John C. Brown, 2005. "An Empirical Assessment of the Comparative Advantage Gains from Trade: Evidence from Japan," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(1), pages 208-225, March.
    5. Ma, Debin, 2004. "Why Japan, Not China, Was the First to Develop in East Asia: Lessons from Sericulture, 1850-1937," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 52(2), pages 369-394, January.
    6. Sascha O. Becker & Ludger Woessmann, 2008. "Luther and the Girls: Religious Denomination and the Female Education Gap in Nineteenth‐century Prussia," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 110(4), pages 777-805, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jean-Frédéric Morin & Sara Bannerman, 2015. "Tigers and Dragons at the World Intellectual Property Organization," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/186312, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.

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