In this episode of Crash Course World History, John Green dives into the fascinating topic of globalization. This isn’t just about how our world is connected through trade and culture; it’s also about understanding why we study history and how it affects our daily lives.
Some students might think we study history just to get good grades, get into top colleges, and land high-paying jobs. While those are good reasons, Green wants us to see a bigger picture. History helps us understand how our everyday choices, like the clothes we wear, are linked to global economic systems. For example, the t-shirt you’re wearing is a part of globalization.
Globalization is a mix of cultural and economic changes that happen through trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Although countries have always traded with each other, globalization has grown massively because of:
1. **Multinational Corporations**: These big companies operate all over the world.
2. **Advancements in Travel and Shipping**: It’s now cheaper and faster to move goods and people across the globe.
3. **Government Policies**: Many countries have lowered trade barriers, promoting “free trade.”
To explain globalization, Green uses a t-shirt as an example. The cotton for many t-shirts comes from the U.S. because government subsidies make it cheaper. However, the shirts are often made in countries like Mexico and China, where labor is cheaper. Then, they are shipped back to richer countries to be sold.
This shows how global trade is complicated and often driven by economic theories that focus on growth rather than government control. Emerging markets are often pushed to adopt free trade policies by larger economies and organizations like the International Monetary Fund.
Since the 1960s, many regions that weren’t industrialized have started making goods for foreign markets. This has helped millions escape poverty. The World Bank reports that about 600 million people have improved their living conditions in the last 30 years. But this growth has its downsides.
– **Economic Growth**: Global capitalism has boosted worldwide economic output, creating opportunities in developing countries.
– **Access to Goods**: People in wealthier countries enjoy cheaper products, although this can lead to job losses at home.
Globalization also has its problems. It can lead to family breakdowns, environmental damage, and even threats to human survival. These issues will be discussed more in the final episode.
Globalization has increased migration. For example, 21% of Canadians and 69% of Kuwait’s population were born in other countries. This is due to:
1. **Affordable Air Travel**: It’s easier to travel internationally.
2. **Communication Technology**: Staying in touch with family across borders is simpler.
3. **Economic Opportunities**: People move to wealthier countries for better jobs.
As people move, they bring their cultures with them, creating a mix of traditions. Some say globalization spreads American culture, but it also gives us access to a wide range of cultural experiences.
The cost of things like t-shirts has dropped a lot over time. A t-shirt that costs three hours of minimum wage work today would have cost ten times that much centuries ago. This change shows how global labor and economic systems have evolved.
Human ambition has led to incredible changes in our world, from population growth to new technologies. While these changes bring many benefits, they also present challenges we need to think about. As we wrap up this look at globalization in the next episode, we’ll explore its darker sides and remember why understanding history is crucial for dealing with our complex world today and in the future.
Imagine you are a part of a multinational corporation. Your task is to create a plan for producing and selling a new product globally. Consider factors like where to source materials, where to manufacture, and which markets to target. Present your plan to the class and explain how it reflects the principles of globalization discussed in the article.
Trace the journey of a t-shirt from cotton fields to retail stores. Create a visual map that shows each step of the process, including the countries involved and the economic factors at play. Use this map to discuss how globalization affects both producers and consumers.
Participate in a class debate on the pros and cons of free trade. Divide into two groups: one supporting free trade and the other opposing it. Use examples from the article, such as the impact on emerging markets and job losses in wealthier countries, to support your arguments.
Research a cultural tradition from a country significantly impacted by globalization. Prepare a presentation that includes the tradition’s history, how it has changed due to globalization, and its influence on other cultures. Share your findings with the class to highlight the cultural exchange aspect of globalization.
Analyze the economic impact of globalization on a specific country. Use data to examine changes in GDP, employment rates, and living standards over the past few decades. Present your analysis, focusing on both the positive and negative outcomes of globalization as mentioned in the article.
Globalization – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale. – Globalization has led to increased trade and cultural exchange between countries.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and successes.
Trade – The action of buying and selling goods and services. – The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that connected the East and West.
Economics – The branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth. – Economics helps us understand how resources are allocated in society.
Migration – The movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. – The Great Migration saw millions of African Americans move from the rural South to urban areas in the North.
Culture – The social behavior and norms found in human societies. – The Renaissance was a period of great cultural change and achievement in Europe.
Corporations – Large companies or groups of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law. – Multinational corporations often have a significant impact on global trade and economics.
Policies – Courses or principles of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual. – Economic policies can greatly influence a country’s growth and development.
Growth – An increase in the economic activity of a country or region, often measured by GDP. – The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid economic growth and technological innovation.
Poverty – The state of being extremely poor. – Efforts to reduce poverty often focus on improving education and healthcare access.
