Over many thousands of years, the force of globalization has created widespread networks of trade, integrated communication, and cultural adversity throughout the world.
By angelinafust
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130 BCE
The Silk Road
"The Silk Road, a trade route between China and the Mediterranean Sea, promoted the exchange of ideas and knowledge, along with trade goods and foods such as silk, spices, porcelain, and other treasures from the East." (National 1). This trade route globalized the economy and allowed people to exchange cultural ideas along the way. When spreading beliefs and transporting goods to different parts of the world, it created a more integrated society and, therefore, assisted globalization. -
Oct 12, 1492
Columbus Discovers the Americas
In 1492, Columbus landed in a new, uncharted portion of the world. This discovery sparked the merging of diverse cultures and the enrichment of the global economy. "The biggest fuel of global trade was American silver, the first truly global currency." (Forbes 1). As a result of globalizing to other portions of the world, trade skyrocketed to an all-time high. On both ends, the Spaniards and the Native Americans, there was a massive exchange of cultural beliefs. -
The Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution period, there was a considerably large increase in the pace of globalization. "Globalization was accelerated...with the Industrial Revolution, as mechanical mills and factories became more common." (National 1). Therefore, as the technological advancements came to fruition, factories were created to produce more of these products. In turn, cities began to form around the areas with an abundance of imports and exports and truly globalize the economy. -
Space Race
In the late 1950's, both the United States and the Soviet Union began the competition to reach the moon and beyond. "Space exploration became one of the world’s first and most successful arenas for cooperation between U.S. and Soviet scientists." (Pearson 941) In other words, the race to the moon united America and the Soviet Union; therefore, it created a more globalized and connected world. -
Launching the Internet
To many, the Internet's creation is an exemplary example of the advancement of globalization. "These networks allow users to communicate with people across the nation and around the world." (Pearson 943) Therefore, the Internet played a major role in the expansion of global knowledge and in bringing people of different cultures closer together. -
Work Cited
National Geographic Society. “Globalization.” National Geographic Society, 9 Oct. 2012, www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/globalization/. Forbes, Steve. “Columbus: Father of Globalization.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 30 July 2012, www.forbes.com/sites/steveforbes/2011/11/02/columbus-father-of-globalization/amp/.
