Self-sufficiency

Definition

Self-sufficiency refers to the ability of a nation or community to meet its own needs without relying on external sources. In the context of historical Japan, especially during the Sakoku policy, self-sufficiency was a guiding principle that shaped the country's economic and social structures, allowing Japan to thrive in isolation while minimizing foreign influence. This notion not only reinforced national pride but also ensured stability by creating a closed economy centered around domestic production and consumption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Under the Sakoku policy, Japan restricted foreign trade to a few Dutch and Chinese merchants in Nagasaki, promoting self-sufficiency in its economy.
2. The Tokugawa Shogunate encouraged agricultural development, which led to increased food production and a more stable society that relied less on imports.
3. Craftsmen and local artisans flourished during this period, as communities focused on producing goods for their own consumption rather than for international markets.
4. Self-sufficiency contributed to a unique Japanese culture that developed independently from Western influences, allowing traditional practices and values to thrive.
5. The policy of self-sufficiency laid the groundwork for Japan's later rapid modernization and industrialization when it eventually opened up to foreign trade in the late 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of self-sufficiency shape Japan's economy during the Sakoku period?
  • Self-sufficiency during the Sakoku period allowed Japan to develop an economy that relied heavily on domestic resources and production. With limited foreign trade, local artisans and farmers became crucial in meeting the needs of their communities. This focus on self-reliance not only stabilized the economy but also encouraged innovation within traditional crafts, resulting in a unique cultural identity that persisted despite the lack of outside influence.
• Discuss how self-sufficiency influenced social structures within Japan during the Tokugawa era.
  • Self-sufficiency greatly influenced social structures in Japan during the Tokugawa era by fostering a class system that prioritized agrarian lifestyles and local economies. The samurai class benefited from land ownership while peasants became essential in sustaining agricultural output. Additionally, merchants who facilitated trade within communities gained wealth but remained socially lower than samurai, leading to a society where relationships were often dictated by economic roles tied to self-sufficient practices.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Japan's self-sufficiency during Sakoku on its eventual modernization in the late 19th century.
  • The emphasis on self-sufficiency during Sakoku had significant long-term effects on Japan's modernization. While initially isolating Japan from global advancements, it allowed for a strong foundation in domestic industries and cultural practices. When Japan opened up to international trade in the late 19th century, it was able to adapt quickly, leveraging its existing strengths while integrating modern technologies. This duality helped Japan transform into a competitive global power, showcasing how a period of isolation can paradoxically lead to later success in globalization.

Related terms

Sakoku:

The policy of national isolation in Japan from the early 17th century to the mid-19th century, restricting foreign relations and trade.

Agrarian Economy: An economic system primarily based on agriculture, where farming is the main source of wealth and livelihood.

Tokugawa Shogunate:

The feudal regime that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868, known for implementing the Sakoku policy and promoting self-sufficiency.