In the context of Advanced Placement World History, the term identifies a group of East and Southeast Asian economies that underwent rapid industrialization and maintained exceptionally high growth rates between the 1960s and 1990s. These economies, typically including South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, pursued export-oriented strategies, focusing on manufactured goods for international markets. For example, South Korea transformed from an agrarian society to a major exporter of electronics and automobiles within a few decades.
The rapid economic development of these regions serves as a significant case study for understanding different models of industrialization in the late 20th century. Their success highlights the role of government intervention, investment in education, disciplined labor forces, and openness to global trade in achieving rapid economic advancement. Understanding this phenomenon provides insights into the broader trends of globalization, decolonization, and the rise of new economic powers in the post-World War II era.
