AMSCO APWH unit 9

UNIT 9: GLOBALIZATION AFTER 1900

Understanding the Context

Advancements in science and technology during the 20th century significantly enhanced globalization. Innovations such as airplanes and the internet created an environment ripe for political and social transformations, including the promotion of democracy and expansion of international trade.

Innovation by Necessity

Explorations in science and technology altered human perceptions of the universe and the natural world in the 20th century. Many advancements served as reactions to large-scale global challenges. For instance, the emergence of diseases that threatened human health spurred the development of medical solutions like vaccines. Furthermore, issues such as deforestation and the depletion of fresh water resources compelled humanity to compete for natural resources and to devise environmentally sustainable practices. Other global challenges spurred progress in communication, transportation, and other industries vital for global interconnectedness.

Reaction to Globalization

Various states adopted free-market economic policies that allowed the formation of multinational corporations. Access to education and involvement in political processes experienced improvements due to the easier dissemination of information facilitated by technology. Therefore, classrooms and political movements became more inclusive, comprising diverse backgrounds across races, classes, and religions. Innovations in communication also ignited discussions about human rights, challenging previous systems of discrimination.
In the arts and humanities, globalization transformed cultural expressions, particularly in the latter half of the century. Arts and entertainment increasingly mirrored a new globalized world, while consumer culture began to transcend borders, necessitating cooperation among countries like never before. In 1945, the formation of the United Nations aimed to ensure world peace and foster international collaboration.

Timeline of Key Events Related to Globalization

  • 1945: The United Nations is established to advocate for peace and international cooperation.
  • 1955: Jonas Salk develops a vaccine to prevent polio, a fatal disease.
  • 1960: The U.S. government approves a birth control pill for widespread use.
  • 1977: Wangari Maathai founds the Green Belt Movement with a focus on tree planting.
  • 1990: Tim Berners-Lee develops the World Wide Web.
  • 1994: Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa's first black president.
  • 1999: Worldwide protests against the World Trade Organization occur across multiple countries.
  • 2015: Over 190 countries sign the Paris Agreement to address global warming.

Topics and Learning Objectives

The unit encompasses various themes and learning objectives:

  • Topic 9.1: Technological advancements changed the world from 1900 to present.
  • Topic 9.2: Environmental factors impact human populations historically.
  • Topic 9.3: Debates arise around environmental changes from 1900 onward.
  • Topic 9.4: Changes and continuities in the global economy from 1900 to present.
  • Topic 9.5: Social roles and their challenges are examined through time.
  • Topic 9.6: The evolution of globalized culture over time.
  • Topic 9.7: Responses to globalization develop across the globe from 1900.
  • Topic 9.8: Globalization influences international interactions among states.
  • Topic 9.9: Science and technology's role in societal change from 1900 onward.

Advances in Technology and Exchange

Changing World Dynamics

Joseph Krutch aptly described the dynamics of technology, stating, "Technology made large populations possible; large populations now make technology indispensable." Advances in technology lead