WW Chapter 19: Empires in Collision

CHT196219 Turkey and Russia playing a game of strategy, from 'Le Perroquet', 1877 (colour litho) by Italian School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Turc et Russe jouant a un jeu de strategie;); Archives Charmet; Italian, out of copyright

Russia, Playing a game of Strategy with Turkey
(Source: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/rise-of-the-young-turks)

Chapter 19: Empires in Collision
1800-1914

Chapter 19 goes into some detail with respect to relations with the West and China, the Ottman Empire and Japan - and their respective efforts to resist influence.  While I can respect the actions of China and the Ottoman empire doing what they can to stave off Western influence, it is Japan that was probably most successful in staying Japanese and at the same time embracing new advancements in technology.  They borrowed what they felt was worthy and kept their identity.  Strayer is quick to point out that if you define success a different way, then maybe there is merit in what the Ottomans and China did.  Trade is a good thing, and no country can remain self sufficient by shutting itself off from the rest of the world for any length of time.  The Early Chinese traded heavily, as did the Islamic empire.  I am no fan of coerced trade and one sided treaties as they destroys free market concepts.

By referring to outsiders as infidels or barbarians to bolster your own identity and withdraw from the world stage what good have you done?  According to Strayer, it's one or the other - Either open trade with the west or "spiritual growth", "face-to-face" village relationships and a well cared for environment.  Why can't it be both?  Why couldn't we have industrialization yet with a different model - one that didn't exploit women textile workers, or British artisans?  It's certainly possible - and perhaps with the more advanced cultural sensibilities of China and the Ottoman empire, we might have.

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