Class 10 History Chapter 3- The Making of Global World Notes

 

Class 10 History

Chapter 3- The Making of Global World

Notes

1. Definition of Globalization: Globalization is the integration of national economies with the global economy, leading to increased value in the national marketplace and overall economic development. It encompasses the free movement of technology, goods, people, and ideas across the world, fostering interdependence among cultures, populations, and economies. This interconnectedness has been facilitated by advancements in communication and transportation technologies, such as the internet and air travel.
2. First World War: Fought between 1914 and 1918, the First World War involved over 30 nations, primarily divided into the Allied Powers (including Serbia, Russia, France, Britain, Italy, and the United States) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire). This global conflict reshaped geopolitical dynamics and set the stage for subsequent economic and social changes. The war not only led to significant loss of life but also catalyzed technological advancements in weaponry and communication.
3. Silk Routes: The ancient Silk Routes, established before the Christian Era and thriving until the 15th century, were crucial trade routes linking distant regions across the world. These routes facilitated cultural exchange and trade of goods like textiles and precious metals, serving as a testament to pre-modern global commerce and cultural interconnectedness. The Silk Routes facilitated the spread of religions, ideas, and technologies, contributing to the enrichment of civilizations along the route.
4. Conquest, Trade, and Disease: The colonization of America by European powers during the 15th and 16th centuries brought significant changes to the global landscape. Spanish conquerors introduced diseases like smallpox, devastating indigenous populations lacking immunity. The discovery of America's vast resources, including fertile lands and precious metals like silver, fueled European wealth and global trade networks. This period of colonization also marked the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade, which had profound and lasting effects on global demographics and economies.
5. Nineteenth Century: The nineteenth century witnessed rapid industrialization in Britain, accompanied by a surge in demand for food grains due to population growth. Imports of cheaper food grains, facilitated by technological advancements in transportation like railways and steamships, led to changes in agricultural practices and increased food imports. This era of industrialization and urbanization transformed societies, leading to the growth of urban centers and the emergence of new social classes.
6. Role of Technology: Technological innovations in the nineteenth century, such as the telegraph, railways, and steamships, revolutionized global connectivity and trade. The invention of refrigerated ships enabled the transportation of perishable goods like meat, further expanding international trade networks. These advancements in transportation and communication not only facilitated the exchange of goods but also enabled the rapid spread of ideas, information, and cultural practices across continents.
7. Rinderpest: The outbreak of rinderpest, a deadly cattle plague, in Africa during the 1880s had devastating consequences for local communities. The disease, introduced through infected cattle imported from British Asia, decimated livestock populations and disrupted livelihoods across the continent. The impact of rinderpest was particularly severe in Africa, where cattle were integral to the subsistence and socio-economic fabric of many societies, leading to widespread famine and economic collapse.
8. Indentured Labor Migration from India: Indian indentured laborers were recruited under strict contracts to work in colonies like Guyana, Surinam, Fiji, and Mauritius during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Deceived by promises of better opportunities, these laborers faced harsh working conditions and were subjected to exploitative practices akin to slavery until the system was abolished in 1921. Indentured labor migration not only contributed to the economic development of colonial plantations but also had long-lasting cultural and demographic impacts on the receiving countries.
9. Inter-War Economic Challenges: The aftermath of the First World War and the subsequent economic downturns posed significant challenges globally. Europe, the epicenter of the war, faced economic hardships and political instability, exacerbated by the mass production of military equipment and the recruitment of working-age men into the military. The war-induced disruptions to global trade and production systems contributed to widespread unemployment and social unrest in many countries.
10. Great Depression Globally: The Great Depression, spanning from 1929 to the mid-1930s, marked a period of global economic downturn characterized by declining employment, production, trade, and income levels. Agricultural overproduction, combined with the collapse of the US banking system and withdrawal of loans, contributed to widespread economic instability, affecting countries worldwide, including India. The Great Depression had far-reaching consequences, leading to mass unemployment, poverty, and social upheaval in many parts of the world.
11. Post-World War Era: Following the Second World War, the US and USSR emerged as superpowers, shaping global geopolitics. The Bretton Woods Institutions, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), were established to promote economic stability and reconstruction in the post-war era. These institutions operated under a fixed exchange rate system, aimed at fostering international economic cooperation. The post-World War era witnessed unprecedented economic growth and development, driven by technological advancements, increased global trade, and investments in infrastructure and human capital.
12. Decolonization and Independence: The mid-twentieth century witnessed the decolonization and independence of many Asian and African countries, supported by movements like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the United Nations (UN). Developing countries formed groups like the Group of 77 (G-77) to advocate for a New International Economic Order (NIEO), aiming to assert control over their natural resources and promote economic self-determination. Decolonization led to the emergence of newly independent nations, each grappling with the challenges of nation-building, economic development, and political stability.