Nowadays, democracy is a concept that is often used but its true meaning and implications are frequently unclear in practice. Political leaders and civic groups have abused its significance to justify their actions. Democratic ideas have influenced the philosophies of some of the world’s most ancient leaders and political figures. The power of democracy has expanded throughout history, from Cleisthenes and Pericles in ancient Athens to Vaclav Havel in modern-day Czech Republic, Thomas Jefferson in his Declaration of Independence in 1776, and Andrei Sakharov through his last speeches in 1989 (Cincotta, 2007).
As Abraham Lincoln famously said, Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This statement serves as a definition for democracy which is generally understood as a form of government in which supreme power is given to the people and exercised through their duly elected representatives (Cincotta, 2007).
On the other hand, industrialization involves applying technological inventions to aid in mass production of products and services. Economic development is often associated with a country’s level of industrialization. During the 18th century Industrial Revolution, feudal nations transformed into market-oriented social structures (Cooney, 1997). Industrialization created entrepreneurs such as merchants and traders who pioneered commercial establishments. Additionally, the industrialization process paved the way for the emergence of a working class into society.
Democracy is not only about preset principles or laws governing the state; it is just one element in a societal structure. In a democratic society, the government coexists harmoniously with other social institutions. This diverse existence is called “pluralism,” which assumes that societal institutions are independent in terms of their existence, legitimacy, or authority (Cincotta, 2007).
Economic development has led to the establishment of democratic institutions because it entails equality in accessing and distributing societal wealth. However, the concentration of economic wealth in the hands of a few elite capitalists has resulted in the loss and bankruptcy of small-scale firms. This uneven distribution of wealth has created serious social and political implications. Often, the power of the elite class is exercised to protect their own interests while leaving working-class individuals at a disadvantage by providing them with unjust compensation and longer working hours.
The United States of America.
According to data presented by the US International Information Program, Britain’s colonies in America were recognized as territories of the United States of America after the Treaty of Paris in 1783. In turn, the founders of the United States made a promise for freedom and equality which was exercised by forming a series of laws and policies geared towards upholding American rights. As such, in 1788, the Constitution was promulgated to evoke an electoral system and ensure freedom and civil rights. In the late 1860s, after the Civil War, freed slaves became citizens with nominal voting rights (Cincotta, 2007).
The governance of the United States has been an experimental democracy. This system has evolved from Jeffersonian Democracy to Jacksonian Democracy and beyond. The social and political issues raised in their early years were continuously addressed and resolved, including civil rights, systems of governance, and industrialization. In the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 nations were added to the original 13 members of the United States as they expanded across the North American continent and overseas territories. The United States have developed through a continual process of adaptation and transformation (Cincotta, 2007).
U.S. Industrialization
The Industrial Revolution began in England during the 18th century and was characterized by significant economic growth and development. This period saw mass production, the introduction of new services through factory systems, and successful innovations in transportation and mechanical operations. The increase of the working-class population led to a rise in urban areas’ population, resulting in overcrowded slums, inadequate social services, and related issues. Unfortunately, this migration from rural areas left the agricultural economy stagnant.
However, it was not all negative as the middle class benefited significantly from their firms’ huge profits (Cooney, 1997).
In the 1800s, the United States produced machines necessary for industrial production. Textile and light metal industries became prominent in the 1820s. By the 1830s, the metal industry in Pennsylvania had forged iron into agricultural tools, railroad tracks, and construction materials. In the mid-1800s, agricultural, construction, and mining industries reached the western part of the United States. Manufacturing accounted for a third of its production in 1860 while agricultural products were two-thirds of its exports’ value.
By the late 1800s, The United States became one of the largest and most competitive nations globally. By 1870 manufacturing industries had grown faster than agriculture sectors; products were manufactured through machineries and factory systems that required planned and organized management to operate efficiently. Firm owners controlled industrial production while working-class began organizing to evoke their rights for higher wages and improved working conditions.
Moreover, transportation means and communication improved; urban populations increased as standards of living rose (Lamphard n.d.).
Industrialization in Other Countries
Until the end of the Cold War, economic development was attributed solely to industrialization. Some sociologists argued that economic development could endanger democracy. However, third-world nations believed that industrialization would provide them with avenues for economic progress. Although some have argued that throughout history, neither economic development nor democracy is solely responsible for the emergence of the other (Elmusa, 2005), both are crucial to sustain each other.
For instance, Japan became an industrialized country under both authoritarian and democratic forms of government. Between the end of the 19th century and World War II, Japan established its industrial base and in the post-war period rebuilt its industrial glory under a democratic government. In contrast, China was ruled by communist leaders for 50 years before beginning its industrialization in the second half of this period.
On the other hand, India under democracy has produced different outcomes. Moreover, autocracy has led Asian nations such as South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia to achieve industrialization.
Conclusion.
Industrialization can occur irrespective of the prevailing form of government in a country. The industrial revolution can be attributed to various factors, including the state’s capacity and autonomy, people’s vision and nationalism, cooperation between the state and business entities, education, suppression of labor, and the ability to hold regional economic powers. These factors play a crucial role in promoting industrialization regardless of the type of government ruling any particular country (Elmusa, 2005).
Furthermore, industrialization is likely sustained by the type of political system. For instance, in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, dictatorship temporarily hindered industrialization while it is sustained in East Asia as they shifted from dictatorship to democracy. However, Singapore continuously progresses under authoritarianism (Elmusa, 2005).
Although the success of industrialization is not entirely dependent on the presence of democracy, historical data suggests that industrialization can be more successful, fruitful, and effective under democratic practices.
References
Elmusa, S. (2005). Freedom and Growth.” Al-Ahram, Issue No. 764. Retrieved October 9, 2008, from http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/764/index.htm.
Lampard, E. E. (n.d.) U.S. Industrialization. Retrieved on October 8, 2008 from http://www.puhsd.k12.ca.us/chana/staffpages/eichman/Adult_School/us/fall/industrialization/1/us_industrialization.htm.
Cooney, P. L. (1997) wrote about industrialism in an article for The Vernon Johns Society. The article can be found at http://www.vernonjohns.org/vernjohns/rnindus.html and was retrieved on October 8, 2008.
Cincotta, E. (2007). Defining democracy. U.S. International Information Programs. Retrieved on October 8, 2008 from http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/whatsdem/whatdm2.htm.
