GLOBALIZATION, Explained [AP Euro Review—Unit 9 Topic 13]

Summary

This video explores the rapid globalization of Europe in the late 20th century, focusing on three key factors: the rise of multinational corporations, the influence of international governing bodies, and advancements in communication and transportation technologies. The proliferation of American media, the environmental consequences of globalization, and the emergence of green parties are also discussed. While globalization brought economic growth and greater interconnectedness, it also raised cultural and environmental concerns. The video offers a comprehensive look at both the positive and negative impacts of this transformative period in European history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Globalization in the late 20th century significantly accelerated Europe's economic, political, and social interconnectedness.
• 🌍 Multinational corporations, such as Nestlé, played a major role by operating in multiple countries, often utilizing cheap labor in developing nations.
• 💼 The rise of multinational corporations allowed for goods to be manufactured in low-wage countries and sold globally, further integrating economies.
• 🤝 International governing bodies, like the European Union and the United Nations, fostered global cooperation and policies that often benefited the international community rather than individual nations.
• 📱 Advances in communication technologies, such as the telephone, radio, and television, facilitated global interaction and migration, connecting distant people and ideas.
• 🌐 The internet revolutionized global communication, providing a platform for the free exchange of information, ideas, and goods through online commerce.
• 🎥 American media, particularly movies and TV shows, flooded European markets, leading to cultural concerns about the spread of American values.
• 🚗 The widespread adoption of the automobile in Europe reshaped cities and suburbs, facilitating greater mobility and migration.
• 🌳 Green parties emerged in Europe in response to environmental concerns, particularly related to the effects of consumerism and industrialization on the environment.
• 💨 By the 1970s, environmental degradation, including air pollution and oil spills, highlighted the negative consequences of globalization, spurring political movements to address these issues.

Q & A

What is globalization, and how has it impacted Europe in the late 20th century?

Globalization refers to the increasing economic, political, and social interconnectedness of the world. In the late 20th century, it impacted Europe by creating faster and more widespread connections through multinational corporations, international governing bodies, and advancements in communication and transportation technologies.

How did multinational corporations contribute to globalization?

Multinational corporations, like Nestlé, operate in multiple countries, manufacturing goods in one location and selling them globally. They employ knowledge workers in their home countries and sell products on a global market, increasing the flow of goods and services across borders.

What role did international governing bodies, like the European Union and the United Nations, play in globalization?

International governing bodies created policies that favored global interests over those of individual states, facilitating cooperation and regulation across borders, which accelerated the globalization process.

How did communication technologies, like the telephone and television, contribute to globalization?

Communication technologies, such as the telephone and television, connected people across vast distances. The television, in particular, democratized entertainment by making it accessible to the masses, often importing American media, which influenced European culture.

How did the Internet impact globalization in the late 20th century?

The rise of the Internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s allowed people around the world to access information and interact globally. This facilitated the spread of ideas and increased online commerce, particularly with the growth of companies like Amazon.

What cultural tension arose in Europe as a result of American entertainment imports?

As American movies and television shows became popular in Europe, cultural tensions arose. European viewers were exposed to American values through these media, which sometimes conflicted with their own cultural norms, leading to concerns about American cultural imperialism.

How did transportation technologies influence migration and globalization?

Advancements in transportation, particularly the automobile, made it easier for people to migrate. By the end of the 20th century, cities and rural areas were designed around car use, which facilitated the movement of people across borders and contributed to the spread of globalization.

What environmental concerns were raised due to globalization in Europe?

Globalization led to increased consumerism and environmental degradation, with issues like pollution of rivers (e.g., the Rhine) and oil spills harming ecosystems. These concerns contributed to the rise of green parties advocating for environmental protection policies.

What role did green parties play in Europe during the late 20th century?

Green parties emerged in Europe in response to the environmental degradation caused by globalization. They campaigned against nuclear energy and other harmful policies, gaining traction especially after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

What impact did the Chernobyl disaster have on the rise of green parties in Europe?

The Chernobyl disaster, which released radioactive material into the environment, became a major catalyst for the rise of green parties in Europe. These parties opposed nuclear energy and advocated for policies to protect the environment from the damaging effects of globalization.