APUSH APUSH Period 9 1980 Present Globalization and Its Effects

Why This Matters

Globalization, a process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among nations, has been a driving force in shaping the modern world. This phenomenon has its roots in the 19th century, when European powers began to establish trade networks and colonies across the globe. As the world became more interconnected, new economic, social, and cultural patterns emerged, influencing the course of history. Understanding globalization is essential for grasping the complexities of modernization, imperialism, and the rise of global powers. It also highlights the tension between economic growth and social inequality, a recurring theme in AP History.

Key Events & People

• The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860): A series of conflicts between China and European powers, including Britain, that led to the forced opening of Chinese markets to European trade and the establishment of unequal treaties.
• The Scramble for Africa (1881-1914): A period of intense European colonization of Africa, marked by the partitioning of the continent among European powers and the exploitation of African resources.
• The Gold Standard (1879-1914): A monetary system in which countries pegged their currencies to gold, leading to increased economic interdependence and the rise of global trade.
• The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): A period of rapid technological and economic change in Europe and North America, marked by the development of new manufacturing technologies and the growth of urban centers.
• The Treaty of Versailles (1919): A peace treaty that imposed harsh penalties on Germany after World War I, contributing to widespread resentment and the rise of Nazi Germany.
• The Bretton Woods Agreement (1944): A conference that established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, aimed at promoting international economic cooperation and stability.
• The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (1947): A treaty that established a framework for reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade among nations.
• The European Union (1957): A economic and political union of European countries, aimed at promoting economic integration and cooperation.
• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (1994): A treaty that established a free trade zone between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) (1995): A global organization that promotes free trade and resolves trade disputes among nations.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Industrial Revolution led to increased economic growth and urbanization in Europe and North America.
• Effect: This growth created new social and economic inequalities, leading to the rise of labor movements and social reform.

• Long-term consequence: The growth of global trade and economic interdependence contributed to the rise of global powers and the decline of colonial empires.

• Cause: The Scramble for Africa led to the exploitation of African resources and the imposition of European colonial rule.

• Effect: This exploitation contributed to widespread poverty, inequality, and social unrest in Africa.

• Long-term consequence: The legacy of colonialism continues to shape African economies and societies today.

• Cause: The Bretton Woods Agreement established a framework for international economic cooperation and stability.

• Effect: This framework contributed to the growth of global trade and economic interdependence.
• Long-term consequence: The rise of global trade and economic interdependence has created new opportunities for economic growth and cooperation, but also new challenges and inequalities.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Globalization*: The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among nations, marked by the growth of global trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or other means.
• *Neocolonialism*: The continuation of colonial relationships through economic or cultural means, rather than direct military rule.
• *Free trade*: The policy of reducing or eliminating trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, to promote economic cooperation and growth.
• *Protectionism*: The policy of protecting domestic industries through trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas.
• *Multinational corporation*: A company that operates in multiple countries, often with significant economic and cultural influence.
• *Global governance*: The system of international institutions and agreements that regulate global economic and social issues.
• *Economic interdependence*: The dependence of one country's economy on another country's economy, often through trade and investment.
• *Cultural exchange*: The exchange of ideas, values, and cultural practices between different societies.
• *Globalization of culture*: The spread of cultural practices and values across the globe, often through media and technology.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Scramble for Africa was a peaceful process of European colonization.
• Correction: The Scramble for Africa was marked by violence, exploitation, and the imposition of European colonial rule.

• Memory trick: Think of the Scramble for Africa as a "scramble" for resources, not a peaceful process.

• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Versailles was a fair and just peace treaty.

• Correction: The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, contributing to widespread resentment and the rise of Nazi Germany.

• Memory trick: Think of the Treaty of Versailles as a "punishment" treaty, not a fair and just one.

• What students often get wrong: The European Union is a federal state.

• Correction: The European Union is a economic and political union of European countries, with a shared currency and some common policies.
• Memory trick: Think of the European Union as a "union" of countries, not a federal state.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of globalization on economic inequality in the 19th and 20th centuries. Use evidence from the Industrial Revolution, the Scramble for Africa, and the Treaty of Versailles to support your argument.
• Possible evidence: The writings of Karl Marx, the statistics on income inequality in Europe and North America, the accounts of African colonialism.

• Possible thesis statement: Globalization has contributed to increased economic inequality, as the benefits of economic growth have been concentrated among the wealthy and powerful.

• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the role of international institutions in promoting global economic cooperation and stability. Use evidence from the Bretton Woods Agreement, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to support your argument.

• Possible evidence: The speeches of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the statistics on global trade and investment, the accounts of international economic crises.
• Possible thesis statement: International institutions have played a crucial role in promoting global economic cooperation and stability, but have also been criticized for their limitations and biases.

Quick Self‑Check

1. What was the main cause of the Scramble for Africa? a) Economic growth in Europe b) The Industrial Revolution c) The desire for resources and territory Answer: c) The desire for resources and territory Explanation: The Scramble for Africa was driven by European powers' desire for resources, territory, and strategic advantage.

2. What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany? a) It imposed harsh penalties and reparations b) It established a new economic system c) It promoted global economic cooperation Answer: a) It imposed harsh penalties and reparations Explanation: The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties and reparations on Germany, contributing to widespread resentment and the rise of Nazi Germany.

3. What is the main goal of the World Trade Organization (WTO)? a) To promote global economic cooperation and stability b) To protect domestic industries through trade barriers c) To promote free trade and reduce trade barriers Answer: c) To promote free trade and reduce trade barriers Explanation: The WTO aims to promote free trade and reduce trade barriers, but has also been criticized for its limitations and biases.

Last‑Minute Cram Sheet

• The Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860) marked the beginning of China's forced opening to European trade.
• The Scramble for Africa (1881-1914) was a period of intense European colonization of Africa.
• The Gold Standard (1879-1914) was a monetary system in which countries pegged their currencies to gold.
• The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries) was a period of rapid technological and economic change in Europe and North America.
• The Treaty of Versailles (1919) imposed harsh penalties on Germany after World War I.
• The Bretton Woods Agreement (1944) established a framework for international economic cooperation and stability.
• The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) (1947) established a framework for reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade.
• The European Union (1957) is a economic and political union of European countries.
• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (1994) established a free trade zone between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) (1995) promotes free trade and resolves trade disputes among nations.
• ⚠️ The "Gilded Age" was named by Mark Twain – it means glittering on the outside, corrupt inside.
• ⚠️ The "Scramble for Africa" was a peaceful process of European colonization.
• ⚠️ The Treaty of Versailles was a fair and just peace treaty.