"East Asia has prospered since the end of the Vietnam War, and Northeast Asia has prospered since the end of the Korean War in a way that seems unimaginable when you think of the history of the first half of the century"
- William Kirby
About this Quote
This quote by William Kirby highlights the remarkable economic and social changes in East and Northeast Asia following the Korean and Vietnam Wars. To comprehend its extensive impact, it is necessary to think about the turbulent history of these regions in the first half of the 20th century, marked by manifest destiny, wars, and socio-political turmoils.
During the early 20th century, East Asia was a theater of conflict and colonial dominance. Nations like China and Korea faced Japanese occupation, and the whole region was involved in the consequences of international wars and revolutions. The Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1955-1975) further intensified these instabilities, leaving devastated economies and fractured societies.
Kirby points to the unanticipated and exceptional financial development and modernization that these areas experienced post-conflict. Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and the normalization of relations between Vietnam and the US, Vietnam embraced financial reforms called Đổi Mới in the late 1980s, leading to quick industrialization and substantial poverty decrease.
On The Other Hand, Northeast Asia, especially South Korea and Japan, embarked on a meteoric financial rise post-Korean War. South Korea transformed from a war-torn nation into one of the world's leading economies through development, education, and export-driven development. Likewise, Japan's post-war economic wonder positioned it as a worldwide economic powerhouse.
China, too, began its journey of reform and opening up in 1978, shedding its closed, planned economy for market-driven policies, resulting in impressive growth rates and raising millions out of hardship.
The phrase "appears unimaginable" underscores the significant shift from the oppressive historic conditions dealt with by these regions to their existing status as centers of international economic power and innovation. This change exemplifies the strength and capability for recovery and growth, demonstrating an impressive journey from hardship to success, making it a topic of study and admiration worldwide.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
