Technology and the Culture of Progress in Meiji Japan

In this book, David Wittner situates Japan's Meiji Era experience of technology transfer and industrial modernization within the realm of culture, politics, and symbolism, examining how nineteenth century beliefs in civilization and enlightenment influenced the process of technological choice.

Autorentext

David Wittner is Associate Professor of Asian History at Utica College in Utica, New York, USA

Inhalt

1. Introduction 2. Tradition and Modernization 3. Iron Machines and Brick Buildings: The Material Culture of Silk Reeling 4. Smelting for Civilization: Technical Choice and the Modernization of the Iron Industry 5. Bunmei Kaika to Gijutsu: Technology's Role in "Civilization and Enlightenment" 6. Conclusion: From Technological Determinism to Techno-Imperialism