Heimler's History: Globalization and Technology in the 20th Century

Introduction to Globalization

Focus on the increasing global interconnectedness.
Examination of how global wars, migration, and ideologies contributed to globalization.
Key player: Technology and Exchange of Goods.

Radio (Early 20th Century):
- Enabled voice communication over distances.
- Removed the intermediary filter of news.
- Used by leaders like FDR for direct communication.
Television (Mid 20th Century):
- Combined audio and visual communication.
Cellular Technology (Late 20th Century):
- Revolutionized instant global communication.
- Impact example: Seven Years’ War communication delay.
- Rise of Social Media Platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter):
  - Democratized communication.
  - Significant in events like the Arab Spring.
Commercial Airlines and Shipping:
- Reduced physical distances for travel and goods transport.
- Use of massive shipping containers for efficient logistics.

Transition from coal to petroleum and natural gas in the 20th century.
Introduction of Nuclear Energy:
- Cleaner but risky due to disasters like Chernobyl.
- More renewable compared to petroleum.

The Green Revolution:
- Development of new grain varieties through genetic engineering.
- Increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.
- Rise of commercial farming: Small farms consolidated into corporate hands.

Antibiotics:
- Discovery of penicillin in 1928.
- Revolutionized treatment of bacterial infections.
Vaccines:
- Increased use against diseases like smallpox, measles, and polio.
Birth Control:
- Development of the birth control pill in the 1950s.
- Led to declining fertility rates globally.

The technologies discussed have shaped our modern interconnected world.
Educational resources like Heimler's History help in understanding these complex global transformations.
Encouragement to engage with educational technology for further learning.