Technological Progress

Definition

Technological progress refers to the advancements and improvements in technology that enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall quality of life. In the context of Japan's Sakoku policy and isolation from the outside world, technological progress became limited as the nation focused inward, restricting foreign influence and innovation while maintaining traditional practices and societal structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Sakoku period, Japan implemented strict controls on foreign trade, allowing only a small number of Dutch merchants to engage in commerce at Nagasaki.
2. Technological progress was stunted in Japan as a result of limited exposure to foreign innovations, leading to a reliance on traditional Japanese technologies.
3. Despite isolation, there were some advancements within Japan, such as improvements in agriculture and crafts, but these were often incremental rather than revolutionary.
4. The focus on self-sufficiency during Sakoku meant that many potential technological advancements from abroad were ignored or not fully integrated into Japanese society.
5. The eventual end of Sakoku in the mid-19th century led to a rapid influx of foreign technology and ideas, which would eventually contribute to Japan's modernization during the Meiji Restoration.

Review Questions

• How did Japan's Sakoku policy affect technological progress within the country?
  • Japan's Sakoku policy significantly limited technological progress by restricting foreign trade and interaction. With minimal exposure to outside innovations and ideas, Japanese society became reliant on traditional technologies and methods. This isolation meant that while some internal advancements occurred, they were often not as impactful as they could have been if Japan had engaged more openly with other countries.
• In what ways did Dutch Learning contribute to technological knowledge in Japan despite the Sakoku policy?
  • Dutch Learning allowed Japan to gain limited access to Western scientific knowledge during the Sakoku period. Through controlled trade with the Dutch, Japanese scholars were able to study Western advancements in medicine, astronomy, and other sciences. This exchange helped introduce certain technologies and ideas, fostering a small yet significant area of technological progress even within an isolated environment.
• Evaluate the impact of Japan's eventual opening to the world on its technological landscape following the end of Sakoku.
  • The opening of Japan to the world marked a transformative period for its technological landscape. As foreign influences flooded in during the Meiji Restoration, Japan rapidly adopted Western technologies and practices across various sectors including industry, military, and transportation. This shift not only facilitated Japan's modernization but also enabled it to emerge as a major global power by integrating advanced technologies that had previously been inaccessible during its isolationist phase.

Related terms

Isolationism: A foreign policy stance where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs, particularly through trade and diplomacy.

Dutch Learning: The study of Western sciences and knowledge in Japan during the Edo period, primarily through limited interactions with Dutch traders.

Edo Period: The time frame in Japan from 1603 to 1868, characterized by relative peace, political stability, and isolation from much of the outside world.