Globalization refers to the phenomenon where trade and technology create an interconnected world politically, economically, and socially.
Historical trends include trade routes, the age of Imperialism, and world wars.
Recent technologies have accelerated globalization, affecting lifespans, energy accessibility, and global economy.
New Communication Technologies (Post-1900)
Radio:
Mass communication tool that brought voices into homes.
Allowed leaders like FDR to communicate directly with the public during the Great Depression and WWII.
Television:
Replaced radio in the 1960s, connecting people to global events like the Vietnam War.
Cellular Technology:
Cell phones introduced in the 1980s, enabling global connectivity.
Internet:
Evolved from military/scientific data sharing in the 1960s to widespread public use by the 1990s.
Facilitated global communication and commerce.
New Transportation Technologies
Automobiles:
Changed urban landscapes, led to suburb creation.
Air Travel:
Replaced railroads as a chief mode of transport, shrinking global distances.
Shipping Containers:
Standardized metal boxes for global shipping, crucial for international trade and manufacturing relocation.
New Energy Technologies
Petroleum:
Used for fueling vehicles and generating electricity, more efficient than coal.
Nuclear Power:
Initially seen as a clean energy alternative, but faced setbacks due to disasters.
New Medical Technologies
Antibiotics:
Penicillin developed in 1928, saving lives by treating bacterial infections.
Vaccines:
Widespread 20th-century applications against diseases like measles and polio.
Birth Control:
The pill developed in the 1950s, leading to declining fertility rates in developed countries.
Agricultural Technologies
Commercial Farming:
Large-scale farming for profit, mainly in wealthier countries.
Green Revolution:
Introduced high-yield crops in developing countries, increased food production but raised environmental concerns.
Conclusion
Globalization has been significantly shaped by technological advancements in communication, transportation, energy, medicine, and agriculture.
These changes have connected the world but also brought challenges such as environmental degradation and uneven distribution of technological benefits.