Recent History of Japan and South Korea. Reasons and prerequisites for economic miracles in these countries

       
   In the history of the economy, there are different examples of rapid development of some states, among them quite a striking are the Japanese and Korean economic miracles. Both countries managed to recover their economics after devastation leaded by World War II (in case of Japan) and Korean War (Korean case) and achieved wellbeing.
   The impressive economic recovery has surprised the whole world. A huge number of documentary films were produced on this topic. One of the best examples is "Recent History of Japan and Korea". The film impresses with stories of ordinary people who passed through poverty, heavy work and inhuman working and living conditions.
  After the Japanese surrender in 1945, the country was under the influence of the US military and a state of complete economic devastation. Being in such a situation, Japan needed to move to a new development strategy, and the essence of this strategy was a fundamental renunciation from the past. It was necessary to create a new structure of the economy, new incentives to work, democratization of society, the development of market relations and Business. Thus, it was decided to invite American businessmen and managers who have developed a program on every side of Japanese life.
   The main problem in Japan at that time was the absence of its own raw materialsthat limited opportunities for extensive growth and determined the need for intensive development path. It was decided to hold a regular modernization of production, carry out the development and implementation of material- and energy-saving technologies, develop export-oriented economy.
   One of the factors contributing to the development of Japan was the efficient use of the achievements of scientific and technological revolution. Japan skillfully applied the achievements of world scientific thought, patents, licenses, know-how and implementation them in practice.
   Along with Japan, a small country called South Korea, almost devoid of minerals, within one generation has evolved from a deep peripheral, patriarchal and agrarian into one of the great industrial powers of the world.
   The main difference from the classic model of the South Korean Western path of development lies in the fact that it did not develop natural historical way, and was literally forced upon the subjective factor - the ruling elites of the state. Strict management and diligence of Koreans helped restore the country's economy in the shortest terms.
   Other factors of speedy recovery of the country in the postwar period were: the strategy focused on exports; the relatively small cost of maintaining the military-industrial complex (about 2-3%); attracting foreign investment - both financial and technological; ethnic and cultural homogeneity, as well as the Confucian tradition, which gives a special value to diligence, education, success in life and devotion to the nation.
   Examples of revival of these countries are very useful and inspiring. Stories of people shown in the film, prove that hard work and solidarity of the people make it possible to raise the country from its knees and to uplift it on a whole new level.