A History of Globalization

Summary

The video script by Amanda Johnson explores the history of globalization, tracing its roots from prehistoric times to the modern era. It discusses how technological advancements, trade routes, and empires have interconnected societies, leading to a unified world where borders and differences become less significant. The script also touches on the impact of globalization on culture, economy, and politics, highlighting both its positive contributions to human progress and the challenges it poses, such as the spread of disease and the rise of imperialism.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness among people, cultures, and societies, facilitated by advancements in technology and communication.
• 📚 The concept of globalization has historical roots dating back to the prehistoric period, with the spread of human groups and the development of agrarian societies.
• 🏛 The pre-modern period saw the rise of large civilizations and the invention of writing, which improved communication and laid the groundwork for more complex social structures.
• 🛣️ The advent of the wheel and the establishment of roads were crucial for globalization, enabling the transport of goods and ideas across long distances.
• 🏛️ The Roman Empire's vast network of roads and its spread of Latin contributed to the development of global trade routes and the Romance languages.
• 🏹 The Middle Ages experienced a stall in technological growth and trade, but the demand for foreign goods like spices and silk led to the growth of merchant classes and the Silk Road.
• 😷 The Black Death pandemic of the 14th century had a significant negative impact on globalization, showing how the movement of goods and people can also spread disease.
• 🌟 The Renaissance and the Age of Exploration marked a resurgence in the desire to explore and connect with the rest of the world, leading to the colonization of the Americas.
• 🚢 The early modern period was characterized by the expansion of Western societies, the establishment of new trade routes, and the devastation of indigenous populations.
• 🏙️ The growth of urbanization and the middle class in Europe led to the development of a modern capitalist economy and the rise of intergovernmental organizations.
• 🌍 The contemporary period has seen the rise of global companies, increased transnational communication, and the potential for intergovernmental organizations to play a larger role in global governance.

Q & A

What is globalization and how does it affect society?

Globalization is defined as the intensification and acceleration of social exchange, social consciousness, and social activities that allow all types of people to interact. It affects society by breaking down barriers such as borders, language, ethnicity, and government, thus fostering a more interconnected and unified world.

How did globalization begin historically?

Globalization began in the prehistoric period, from 10,000 BCE to 3500 BCE, with the spread of human groups across the globe as hunter-gatherers. However, it was during the pre-modern period, from 3500 BCE to 1500 CE, that larger civilizations developed, leading to the current definition of globalization.

What was the significance of the invention of cuneiform by the Mesopotamians?

The invention of cuneiform was a major leap in communication technology, allowing for the recording of details such as financial accounts. This made it possible for large amounts of information to be remembered and transmitted, facilitating the development of large civilizations and contributing to early forms of globalization.

How did the discovery of the Rosetta Stone impact the understanding of pre-modern societies' communication?

The Rosetta Stone, with the same passage translated into three ancient languages, shows that pre-modern societies communicated in various written forms, indicating a level of sophistication in their ability to record and transmit information across different cultures.

What role did the wheel play in the advancement of globalization?

The advent of the wheel was crucial for globalization as it allowed goods to be transported across long distances. This led to the establishment of roads, which in turn increased trade and communication between growing world empires.

What was the impact of the Roman Empire on the development of globalization?

The Roman Empire, which flourished from 500 BCE to 500 CE, was a dominant force in the Western world. It expanded across much of Western Europe, spreading Latin across the continent, which is the origin of the Romance languages spoken today. The Romans are also responsible for many permanent roads and buildings, which facilitated trade and communication, contributing to the foundation of the first global trade routes.

How did the Middle Ages affect the growth of technology and trade?

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the growth of technology stalled in the Western world for several hundred years during the Middle Ages. Trade also stalled as people struggled to survive in a colder climate and a system of feudalism developed, which limited the movement of goods and resources.

What was the significance of the Silk Road in the context of globalization?

The Silk Road was significant in the context of globalization as it was one of the first trade routes that connected different empires, allowing not only goods but also religion, technology, and culture to be exchanged between them.

How did the Black Death impact globalization during the Middle Ages?

The Black Death, which occurred in the 14th century, had a negative impact on globalization as it wiped out almost one-third of the global population. The disease spread along with goods and people, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world but also the risks associated with it.

What were the key factors that contributed to the expansion of Western society during the early modern period?

During the early modern period, from 1500 to 1750, the expansion of Western society was aided by the invention of the printing press, the improvement of navigation and sailing, and the rediscovery of ideas from ancient societies, which brought about the Renaissance. Additionally, the desire to explore and claim new territories for resources, trade, and religious conversion drove rulers to expand their influence.

What is the significance of the Enlightenment in the context of globalization?

The Enlightenment, which took place during the modern period from 1750 to 1980, was significant for globalization as it was a time when philosophers developed ideas such as natural rights, which became the basis for many democratic systems. These ideas inspired revolutions and the formation of new democracies, which in turn facilitated the pace of globalization by promoting the free movement of people and ideas.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Dawn of Globalization: Prehistoric to Pre-Modern Era

This paragraph delves into the origins of globalization, tracing its roots from the prehistoric period (10,000 BCE to 3500 BCE) when human groups spread globally as hunter-gatherers to the pre-modern era (3500 BCE to 1500 CE). It highlights the development of agrarian societies, the domestication of animals, and the emergence of social classes. The paragraph underscores the limited communication during the prehistoric period due to technological constraints. It then transitions to the pre-modern era, where the growth of civilizations, the invention of writing systems like cuneiform, and the discovery of the Rosetta Stone exemplify advancements in communication. The advent of the wheel and the establishment of roads facilitated trade and communication between empires, setting the stage for the first global trade routes, including the Silk Road. The paragraph concludes with the impact of the Roman Empire on globalization, including the spread of Latin and the establishment of trade routes.

05:01

🛳️ The Age of Empires and the Expansion of Global Trade

The second paragraph explores the impact of empires on globalization, beginning with the Middle Ages when trade and technological growth stalled due to climate challenges and the development of feudalism. The demand for foreign resources like spices and silk led to the growth of a merchant class and the use of merchant ships for trade, which also facilitated the spread of diseases like the Black Death. The paragraph then discusses the early modern period (1500 to 1750), marked by the Renaissance, the exploration of new territories, and the establishment of new trade routes. The invention of the printing press and improvements in navigation and sailing technology contributed to the Western world's expansion and contact with Native American societies. The colonization of America and the tragic effects on Native American populations are also highlighted. The paragraph concludes with the rise of the middle class, the merchant class, and the establishment of the modern nation-state system through events like the Peace of Westphalia.

10:01

🌏 The Modern Era: Globalization's Acceleration and Challenges

The third paragraph examines the acceleration of globalization during the modern period (1750 to 1980), beginning with the Enlightenment and the American Revolution, which inspired the formation of new democracies and the spread of capitalist economic systems. The paragraph discusses the impact of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration on the growth of Western societies, as well as the technological advancements that facilitated easier communication and global trade. It also addresses the negative aspects of imperialism and the tensions that led to World War I and World War II. The establishment of intergovernmental organizations like the League of Nations and the United Nations, as well as economic systems like the International Monetary Fund, are highlighted as steps towards a more interconnected global society. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the potential future of globalization, suggesting that intergovernmental organizations may play a larger role in global governance and that education and awareness can lead to a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Keywords

💡Globalization

Globalization refers to the intensification and acceleration of social exchanges, activities, and consciousness across the world, allowing people from different regions, cultures, and backgrounds to interact. In the video, globalization is portrayed as a dynamic process that has evolved throughout history, starting from prehistoric human migrations and developing into the interconnected world we know today. Examples include the rise of trade routes, the spread of technology, and the global flow of goods and ideas.

💡Prehistoric Period

The prehistoric period, defined as 10,000 BCE to 3500 BCE, marks the early stages of human civilization when small groups of hunter-gatherers began spreading across the globe. The video highlights this era as the foundation of human migration and the initial steps toward interconnected societies, though communication was limited. This period laid the groundwork for later globalization through the spread of people and survival practices.

💡Agrarian Societies

Agrarian societies refer to communities that developed settled farming practices and domesticated animals, leading to the growth of social classes and a more complex society. In the video, agrarian societies are noted as a key development that moved humanity closer to globalization, as they enabled greater social differentiation and the establishment of hierarchies. The emergence of these societies facilitated communication and trade between settled groups.

💡Pre-modern Period

The pre-modern period (3500 BCE to 1500 CE) is characterized by the development of large civilizations, the invention of writing systems like cuneiform, and the rise of major empires like those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and Greece. The video emphasizes this period as a turning point in globalization, as improved communication (e.g., writing and roads) and technological advances enabled trade and cultural exchange across vast distances.

💡Silk Road

The Silk Road refers to a network of trade routes that connected Asia with Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, technology, and even diseases between civilizations. The video mentions the origins of the Silk Road as an example of early global trade that contributed to the spread of ideas and technologies across empires, making it a critical element in the process of globalization during the pre-modern period.

💡Middle Ages

The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, spans from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance. In the video, this period is described as a time of limited technological progress in Western Europe, where trade stalled and a feudal system dominated society. However, the growing demand for luxury goods like spices and silk rekindled trade along the Silk Road, which led to the resurgence of globalization despite the era’s challenges.

💡Renaissance

The Renaissance, beginning in the 14th century, was a period of cultural rebirth in Europe marked by renewed interest in art, science, and exploration. The video highlights the Renaissance as a pivotal moment for globalization, where advancements in technology, navigation, and communication allowed for the exploration of new territories and the exchange of ideas across continents. This period set the stage for European imperialism and global expansion.

💡Imperialism

Imperialism involves the expansion of a country's influence through colonization, military force, or economic dominance. The video discusses how European powers, driven by the pursuit of resources and wealth, established colonies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia during the early modern period. This expansion played a significant role in the globalization process by integrating diverse regions into global trade networks, albeit often with devastating effects on indigenous populations.

💡Industrialization

Industrialization refers to the transition to large-scale manufacturing processes and urbanization, particularly in the 19th century. The video connects industrialization with globalization by explaining how it led to mass production, increased job opportunities, and migration, thereby accelerating the exchange of goods, people, and ideas worldwide. The technological advancements of this era, such as the steam engine, were crucial in shaping modern global economies.

💡Contemporary Period

The contemporary period, beginning around 1980, is characterized by rapid technological advancements, global communication, and the rise of intergovernmental organizations. The video portrays this era as one of unprecedented interconnectedness, where global trade, international cooperation, and transnational issues like environmental sustainability dominate. The shift from nation-states to global governance structures, such as the European Union, is a key focus, reflecting the evolving nature of globalization in the present day.

Highlights

Globalization is defined as the intensification and acceleration of social exchange, consciousness, and activities, allowing people to interact regardless of borders, language, ethnicity, or government.

Globalization began in the prehistoric period with the spread of human groups as hunter-gatherers, leading to the development of agrarian societies and social hierarchies.

The domestication of animals and the growth of settled farming allowed for the possibility of globalization as we define it today.

The invention of cuneiform by the Mesopotamians was a major leap in communication technology, enabling the recording and transmission of information.

The discovery of the Rosetta Stone demonstrates that pre-modern societies communicated in various written forms.

The advent of the wheel was crucial for globalization, allowing goods to be transported across long distances and improving trade and communication.

The Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek empires developed during the pre-modern period, contributing to the foundation of the first global trade routes.

The Roman Empire's vast territory and the spread of Latin laid the groundwork for the Romance languages spoken today.

The Middle Ages saw a stall in technological growth in the Western world, with trade and communication limited by feudalism.

The demand for foreign resources like spices and silk led to the growth of the merchant class and the expansion of trade routes like the Silk Road.

The Black Death had a significant negative impact on globalization, as it wiped out nearly one-third of the global population.

The end of the Black Death marked the transition to the early modern period, with increased population, urbanization, and technological advancements.

The Renaissance was a rebirth of art and learning, driven by the rediscovery of ancient ideas and the development of new technologies.

The Age of Empires saw the establishment of the first global trade routes, with the exchange of goods, religion, technology, and disease between empires.

The Enlightenment and the American Revolution were foundational to the development of democratic systems and the capitalist economy.

Immigration and urbanization in America during the 1800s contributed to its reputation as a cultural melting pot and a hub for global ideas.

Technological inventions of the 19th century greatly increased communication and the need for territory and resources, leading to imperialism.

World War I and II showcased the interconnectedness of global economies and the rise of the United States as a global superpower.

The Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of the modern period and the shift towards a more globalized world economy.

The contemporary period has seen the rise of intergovernmental organizations and international trade groups, suggesting a potential move towards governance by these entities.

Education and awareness are key to addressing global issues, with the history of globalization showing an improvement in the quality of life due to technological development.

The history of globalization suggests that as we become more interconnected, we need to reflect on how to progress while improving the lives of everyone on the planet.

Transcripts

a history of globalization by Amanda

Johnson our world population upwards of

seven billion in ever-increasing as

population grows and time goes on human

civilization becomes even more

interconnected through a pirate process

called globalization globalization is

defined as the intensification and

acceleration of social exchange social

consciousness and social activities that

allows all types of people to interact

it is the dynamic shift towards a

unified world where borders language

ethnicity government etc do not limit

communication thanks to the growth of

technology it is now easier than ever

for the 7 billion people on this planet

to interact and grow as a society

however globalization is not a new

phenomenon in this video we will explore

its historical roots globalization began

in the prehistoric period defined as

10,000 BCE to 3500 BCE during this time

prehistoric man spread across the globe

in small groups of hunter-gatherers as

seen in the animals depicted here on the

walls of velasca caves in france

prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups were

preoccupied with hunting these groups

were focused on survival and it was not

until the domestication of animals and

the growth of settled farming that the

possibility for globalization as we

define it existed as agrarian societies

developed and the need for food was no

longer the primary prime was no longer

the primary motive society began to

differentiate a hierarchy and allow for

the growth of different social classes

the patriarchal society of settled

groups which still exists today

developed during this time however there

was limited communication between small

settled societies the communication was

limited by the little technology

available and for these reasons this

period did not see much in the way of

globalization however it was a time of

great spread for Humanity however moving

into the pre-modern period 3500 BCE to

1500 seee larger civilizations developed

which gave way to the current definition

of globalization large cities with

different classes of people began to

crop up again across the ancient Near

East in Asia the invention of right

cuneiform by the Mesopotamians as seen

on this tablet was a major leap in

communication technology writing allowed

for the recording of details such as

financial accounts which made it

possible for large amounts of

information to be remembered and

transmitted the eventual discovery of

the Rosetta Stone with the same passage

translated into three ancient languages

shows that pre-modern societies

communicated in various written forms

the advent of the wheel was likewise

crucial for globalization and allowed

goods to be transported across long

distances and carts and architectural

technology to improve this led to the

establishment of roads which led to

increased trade and communication

between growing world empires the

pre-modern period was really a time for

the development of large civilizations

the Egyptian Empire flourished during

this time with great advances in

engineering technology and art Chinese

empires with their advances in

mathematics sciences and warfare also

developed alongside and may have

communicated with other world empires

Greek civilization cropped up during

this time as well creating a system of

democracy that is the basis for many

modern governments the Greeks control a

vast territory and flourished as a

centre for the arts and philosophy for

many years from 500 BC to 500 cee the

Roman Empire was the dominant force in

the Western world their empire was vast

and went through periods of democracy

and periods of absolute rulers at its

height the Roman Empire controlled much

of the Western Europe it expanded all

the way into the United Kingdom

spreading latin across the continent

roman latin is the origin of the Romance

languages spoken throughout the world

today the Romans are also responsible

for many permanent roads and buildings

which still exist today the first trade

routes between Rome and controlled areas

cropped up during this time eventually

the Roman Empire became Christianized

and disintegrated into the Holy Roman

Empire which could almost be considered

a proto intergovernmental organization

of the past independent states of course

existed within the Empire but were

controlled by the religious body of the

time the Pope but what does the age of

empires mean for globalization not only

was there communication between

different groups of people within the

empires there was communication between

the set of the empires themselves it was

a time for the foundation of the first

global trade routes

utilizing developing transportation

technology like more permanent roads

better ships and animal-drawn carts and

waggons it was during this time that the

origins of the Silk Road cropped up as

trade routes which will be focused on

later goods travelled between empires

but so did religion technology and

disease the Age of Empires was a time

for great technological advance but

after the Roman Empire fell the growth

of technology stalled in the Western

world for several hundred years called

the Middle Ages very little change in

Western Europe specifically trade

stalled as people struggle to survive in

a colder climate a system of feudalism

developed which kept lower-class people

down and the upper-class were able to

control all the imported resources and

the trade system eventually the demand

for foreign resources especially spices

and silk from the east grew so high that

the wealthy paid for merchants to

transport goods particularly along the

Silk Road from China to Western Europe a

merchant class began to grow as

population began to decline merchant

ships became a great way to trade as

they were faster than walking but they

also brought disease the Black Death

came into Europe and other parts of the

world during the Middle Ages the 14th

century and wiped out almost 1/3 of the

global population this was a time where

globalization may have had a negative

effect on the world because Goods and

people were traveling all around disease

too was travelling with them the ending

of the Black Death marked the ending of

the pre-modern period and the transition

to the early modern period during the

1500s as the Black Death faded

population began to increase and urban

eyes once again improved transportation

technology allowed for the emigration of

people to different parts of the world

the exchange of ideas in urban centers

and the rediscovery of ideas from

ancient societies brought about the

Renaissance a rebirth of art and

learning in the Western world there was

now a drive to explore the rest of the

world rulers wanted to claim new

territory to acquire money ideas goods

to trade and religious converts it was

the goal of many to find faster routes

to India and this is why Columbus sent

by the Spanish claimed America

originally mistaking it for India

development during the early modern

period from 1500 to 1750 was aided by

the invention of the printing press and

the improvement of navigation and

sailing

the Western world expanded in the

contact with Native American societies

fits into the process of globalization

even though the effects were largely

negative for the existing populations of

new people and new lands the Great

Central American empires were wiped out

by conquistadors through bloody battles

and disease all for their resources this

period was detrimental to certain

populations of people but it opened up

new trade routes and increased the

desire to expand Western society to find

a new world people crammed a crush on

ships to colonize America destroying

Native American civilizations in their

wake

according to globalization a very short

introduction upwards of 90% of the

Native American populations were

destroyed by disease during this time

despite the tragic death of native

populations colonization attempts in the

new world began to succeed there was now

an even greater land area on which

Western countries could expand and claim

resources as they completely disregarded

the claims of Native Americans back in

Europe increased population and in

urbanization led to the growth of the

middle class the merchant class began to

create a more modern capitalist economy

the Protestant Reformation brought into

question the absolute sovereignty of

rulers the amount of small kingdoms

began to decline eventually culminating

in the 30 Years War in the Peace of

Westphalia which established the modern

nation-state system in place today in

terms of globalization there were now

larger countries with borders that did

not necessarily fit the ethnic groups

contained within them leading contention

down the line during this time as well

the Dutch and British East India

companies began to establish trading

posts throughout the world this

eventually led to a system of

imperialism as countries wanted to gain

more resources but was also important to

the furtherance of globalization as

people and new ideas were transported

around the world along with goods the

modern period designated by

globalization a very short introduction

as 1750 to 1980 was headed off by time

known as the Enlightenment the

Enlightenment was a time where

philosophers like John Locke and

Voltaire met up and came up with ideas

such as natural rights life liberty and

property the belief in these rights are

the basis of the American Revolution

beginning in 1776 the American

Revolution was the start of many

revolutions against monarchies in the

formation of new democracies America was

founded on the capitalistic economic

system led and molded by Treasury

secretary Alexander Hamilton this

inspired the French all the way across

the ocean tro'ble against their monarch

as well the late 18th and early 19th

centuries were a time of revolution the

Democratic systems put in place by New

Republic's still carry on today inspired

an America inspired much of the world

with protections for the freedom of

speech and religion among others

democracies furthered the pace of

globalization because in theory people

could travel to Democratic lands and be

accepted regardless of their ideas the

foundation of America led to an increase

in immigration due to the prosperous

democratic country it was also the

beginning of industrialization in

America and Europe and there's greater

urbanization and more jobs available

than ever before the 1800s saw waves of

immigration especially by Europeans

fleeing famine and seeking a better life

America became known as a cultural

melting pot and ideas from all over the

world traveled there and grew this time

was known for great leaps in

technological invention that made

communication easier than ever before

with increased technology came an

increased need for territory and

resources leading to the expansion of

imperialism imperialism may have

benefited certain powerful Western

countries but was destra mental to the

lands they occupied however global trade

greatly increased during this time

leading to greater prosperity in

urbanization than ever seen before

borders established during the earlier

settlements in the Peace of Westphalia

also created tension during this time

World War one began due to the violence

in the ethnically diverse Balkan

Peninsula the war was a clash of old and

new fighting styles and technology which

led to the death of many and for the

first time large coalition's of

countries were pitted against each other

eventually troubles in Russia led to

their own internal revolution which

began during the first world war this

established another new system of

government besides democracy communism

while the West feared the rise of the

communist system it had other problems

the Treaty of Versailles written at the

end of World War one laid in place

tensions which would later lead to

another world war it was during this

time as well when Woodrow Wilson

proposed the first intergovernmental

organization the League of Nations while

America declined to join countries in

Europe banded together in the League of

Nations to try and prevent further

tragedies such as World War one or the

Great Depression hit America after World

War one causing the decline of the

economy but it also affected the economy

of the entire world showing the

interconnections that were beginning to

form economically due to globalism

global is a

had a loud world trade in production to

become so intertwined with the American

economy that when the Great Depression

hit in 1929 both of these things fell

dramatically it took years and many new

systems for the world to climb out of

the Great Depression World War two

involved again large groups of countries

working together to defeat a common

enemy the Axis powers it also gave away

for America to continue its climb as a

global superpower working its way up

from the Great Depression old world

empires were no longer the dominant

power in the world and interaction with

other countries outside of what is

considered the West began to grow this

period saw a massive increase in global

population and a massive increase in

transnational communication global

companies began to crop up during this

time it was after World War Two where

communism became the main threat the

United States feared the growth of

communism because the USSR was becoming

another global superpower the

technological development of nuclear

weapons mutually assured the destruction

of the two countries if they were to

ever face off which caused a Cold War

eventually though American democracy and

the capitalist system won over the USSR

in the Berlin Wall fell 1980 was the end

of the modern period and saw the shift

into the contemporary period which we

are currently in the Berlin Wall fell

heading off the era where capitalism and

American governmental and economic

systems seemed to become the model for

all developing countries to follow the

recent decades have seen the rise of

intergovernmental organizations like the

European Union and the United Nations

recently as well international trade

groups like Asian and economic systems

like the International Monetary Fund

have cropped up this begs the question

is the next step in globalization the

elimination of traditional borders in

favor of the governance governance of

organizations like these I feel that the

history of globalization shows us how

far we have come

we are moving together as a society to

solve greater world issues no longer can

world problems be contained merely by

borders as they have grown too large and

affect too many people for example there

is an increased importance placed on

education the history of globalization

shows is people become more educated and

develop new technology their overall

quality of life improves for example

Malala yousafzai

has brought to attention the need for

women's education as an end to violence

in the Middle East and other areas of

the world if people were more educated

and aware perhaps they would be likewise

more conscious of their environmental

impact if we do not change the

environment will no longer be able to

adequately sustain our growing

population the entirety of human history

has been about growth and progress and I

feel as we grow more interconnected

through globalization we need to reflect

on how we can progress while improving

the lives of everyone on the planet

globalization is defined as the

intensification and acceleration of

social exchange consciousness and

activities allowing all types of people

interact throughout history people have

been growing more and more conscious of

social problems with our history in mind

I predict that the increased power of I

gos rather than the traditional

nation-state will lead to a more

harmonious world history shows there

will always be conflict but overall the

lives of people on earth are improving

due to the process of globalization