Notes on Columbian Exchange, Globalization, and Regional Development

Colombian Exchange

  • Colombian Exchange: Facilitated the diffusion of crops beyond their original domestication areas.
  • Examples of Exchanges:
    • From the Americas: Corn, potatoes, peppers.
    • To the Americas: Horses, diseases (e.g., smallpox), slaves.

Globalization and Crop Consumption Patterns

  • Corn's Hearth: Mexico.
  • Current Production: Primarily grown in Brazil.
  • Globalization's Impact:
    • Countries with abundant land and cheaper labor can extensively farm crops.
    • Developed countries can afford to import these crops.

Intensive vs. Extensive Farming

  • Less Developed Countries (LDCs): Crops may be farmed intensively due to cheaper labor.
  • More Developed Countries: May import crops because other jobs offer higher wages.
  • Example: The United States imports avocados from Mexico because labor costs are lower in Mexico.

Global Supply Chains

  • Definition: Links crops from native growing regions to consumers in distant countries.
  • Example: Bananas from Guatemala are sold in the United States and even London.
  • Reasons for Global Supply Chains:
    • Cheaper to produce crops in native regions (e.g., Guatemala for bananas).
    • Transportation costs are lower compared to growing crops locally in non-native regions (e.g., the United Kingdom).
    • Even with import/export taxes, it is more economical to import.
  • Relevance of Globalization: Global supply chains are a manifestation of globalization, enabling the widespread distribution of crops.

Spatial Patterns of Companies and Institutions

  • Inset Map: Shows major medical and biotechnology companies and institutions in the Boston and Providence region.
  • Spatial Arrangement:
    • Entities are closely located.
    • Universities are near biotech companies, hospitals, and medical technology equipment manufacturers.
    • Pharmaceutical manufacturing firms are in close proximity to medical technology equipment manufacturing.
    • Distances range from less than half a mile to within 25 miles.

Growth Pole

  • Definition: A specific geographic location that acts as an engine of economic growth, stimulating development in surrounding areas.
  • Characteristics:
    • High technology industry.
    • Specialization in the medical field.

Education Infrastructure's Impact

  • Influence on High Technology Development:
    • More educated people lead to a greater potential for innovation and work in high-tech industries.
    • This can lead to increased profits and economic growth.