Technology and Manufacturing in China before the Industrial Revolution and Glimpses of the Future

Abstract

We have four goals in this study. First, we chronicle China's history of technology and manufacturing before the Industrial Revolution. This history of monumental developments is scattered in dozen of books and hundreds of articles, but it is not available in a concise form. Although, this history is relevant to all disciplines in social sciences, science, and technology, it is most relevant to the discipline this journal represents. Second, we analyze the role of exports in improving quality of goods and improving manufacturing. Before the Industrial Revolution, China was the world leader in inventions and the world's largest manufacturer. Despite its strengths, it failed to become a major exporter. Exports could have helped it to unleash a quality evolution and to expand its economy further. Third, we describe the role of international relations and wars in economic development and economic decay. During the Industrial Revolution, China's manufacturing output decreased, and its economy took a big hit because of military conquests by Britain and the resulting dynamics of international relations. We also point out that China missed the opportunity to become a naval power before the Industrial Revolution, which contributed to its fate during the Industrial Revolution. Fourth, we briefly describe the dramatic changes in international relations after World War II, and China's emergence once gain as the world's largest manufacturer. We point out that exports have been a major driver of China's phenomenal economic growth. We also speculate on China's current options which may lead to a promising future for China and the world.