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The Paintresses' Room at the Wetter Printworks in Orange
Although this was painted over 100 years after the arrival of Indian fabrics in Europe, this painting represents how globalization affects the world economy and changes industries. Considering the popularity of Indian fabrics in Europe, European artisans sought to imitate them to stay competitive in the market. However, it would be decades before Europe had a profitable printing industry that produced high-quality products that could compete with those from India. -
The Wealth of the Nations
This text sought to explain how our economy works, and how we can be more efficient. He argued that the economy is driven by self-interest. We each want things, and we will trade in order to get them. It was also written at a time when mercantilism was rampant in Europe. Smith argued in his book that a country's wealth lied not in precious metals but in its human labour. He also outlined one of the key innovations of the Industrial Revolution: the division of labour. -
Au Bonheur des Dames
Originally published in 1883, Zola's book takes place during the Industrial and Consumer Revolution. He portrays women as being obsessed with this new place, "the cathedral of the 19th century". His book marks a shift from small stores that offered a few, expensive high quality goods to department stores that offered mass produced goods for cheap. This book also perceived women as major consumers, and as being obsessed with their looks and appearances, in order to emulate the higher class. -
Make Do and Mend
Written for an audience of British civilian women, this text provides tips and tricks for reusing and repairing clothes. However, it is significant because it represents how the World Wars were "total wars", not only because it affected the entire world. It is significant because it highlights how everyone was affected by the war, whether directly (e.g. bombing, and many soldiers not being in the army before the war), or indirectly (e.g. rationing).