During the 18th century, there was a significant shift in social classes and new urban growth in England (Prof. Yang, Lec. 11). The English’s government mainly focused on industrializing the urban civilization. China was integrating people from all areas and social classes into their economy. Why were peasants in China more involved in the markets than those in England? England was striving to become a full dimension capitalist state while China focused on being self-sufficient. China’s labor-intensive agricultural system provided more opportunities for peasants to contribute to its market and economy. Urban privilege was seen throughout the cities of many European countries especially England (Prof. Yang, Lec. 11). New factories were build
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The difference is that England strived for a capitalist system through global trades and exploitation while China strived for self-sufficiency (Dunn, pg. 534 & 545). England “curious, acquisitive, and dynamic attitude” caused them to be more adventurous and interested in expanding to other parts of the world (Pomeranz, pg. 157). England’s development of capitalism required them to exploit other countries labors and resources and international commerce. Conversely, peasant was the biggest contributor to China’s agriculture. China stopped showing interest in “foreign goods because they were so convinced of the superiority of their civilization” (Pomeranz, pg. 157). China’s land and integration provided its people with enough supplies. Integrating people from different classes and places provided enough producers and buyers to help stimulating the markets. By using the skills and labors from all social classes, China was more independent. China’s centralized and superior nature caused them to isolate themselves. Although China advanced before England, it falls behind creating ‘the great divergence’ between China and the West. Understanding the cause of this divergence allows people to have a better idea of what the world-systems may look like in the
The difference is that England strived for a capitalist system through global trades and exploitation while China strived for self-sufficiency (Dunn, pg. 534 & 545). England “curious, acquisitive, and dynamic attitude” caused them to be more adventurous and interested in expanding to other parts of the world (Pomeranz, pg. 157). England’s development of capitalism required them to exploit other countries labors and resources and international commerce. Conversely, peasant was the biggest contributor to China’s agriculture. China stopped showing interest in “foreign goods because they were so convinced of the superiority of their civilization” (Pomeranz, pg. 157). China’s land and integration provided its people with enough supplies. Integrating people from different classes and places provided enough producers and buyers to help stimulating the markets. By using the skills and labors from all social classes, China was more independent. China’s centralized and superior nature caused them to isolate themselves. Although China advanced before England, it falls behind creating ‘the great divergence’ between China and the West. Understanding the cause of this divergence allows people to have a better idea of what the world-systems may look like in the