Choose one product or object that you encounter in your everyday life and discuss how its history has
been shaped by globalisation. Think of any familiar fashion, food, technology, or cultural
examples.
To help you answer this question, follow these steps.
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
2) Explore the history of your chosen product.
3) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.
Possible examples to focus your assignment on, include: African wax print, sneakers, corn (mealies),
coffee, telephones, automobiles, snuff, or Amapiano music.
One product that has been significantly shaped by globalization is coffee. Coffee has a long and complex history that has been influenced by global trade and cultural exchange.
Firstly, it is important to understand globalization as a historical force. Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and peoples around the world. It involves the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures on a global scale, facilitated by advances in technology and transportation.
The history of coffee can be traced back to ancient times, originating in the highlands of Ethiopia. However, it was through the process of globalization that coffee spread across the world and became a prominent global commodity.
The journey of coffee began in the 15th century when coffee beans were introduced to the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabs were the first to cultivate and trade coffee, establishing coffee houses as social and cultural hubs. With the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, coffee was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, European colonial powers played a significant role in the global spread of coffee. The Dutch established coffee plantations in their colonies, particularly in Indonesia. Similarly, the French brought coffee to the Caribbean islands and the Americas, with countries like Brazil becoming major coffee producers.
The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries further accelerated the globalization of coffee. Advances in transportation, such as steamships and railways, enabled coffee to be easily transported across continents. Additionally, the development of packaging and preservation techniques increased the shelf life of coffee, making it accessible to a wider consumer base.
In the early 20th century, multinational corporations played a key role in the globalization of coffee. Companies like Nestlé and Folgers began mass-producing instant coffee, making it more convenient and affordable for consumers. These corporations also established extensive distribution networks, ensuring a global reach for coffee.
Globalization has not only impacted the production and distribution of coffee but also its cultural significance. Today, coffee is not only consumed for its caffeine content but has become associated with particular lifestyles and social rituals. Coffee culture, with its numerous variations of brewing methods and coffee shops, has been globalized and adopted by different cultures around the world.
In conclusion, the history of coffee has been shaped by globalization. Through global trade and cultural exchange, coffee has spread from its origins in Ethiopia to become a ubiquitous product consumed and enjoyed worldwide. The expansion of coffee production, advancements in transportation, and the influence of multinational corporations have all played a significant role in the globalization of coffee.
Product: Coffee
1) Understanding Globalisation as a historical force:
Globalisation is the process of integration and interaction among people, businesses, and governments of different nations, driven by international trade, investment, and technology. It involves the exchange of goods, services, ideas, and culture across borders, leading to interconnectedness and interdependence among countries.
2) History of coffee:
Coffee originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and was discovered as a beverage by the 9th century. Initially, it was used by Ethiopian monks for its stimulating properties. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it gained popularity and was cultivated on a larger scale. The Arab traders were instrumental in spreading coffee to the Ottoman Empire and other parts of the Middle East.
In the 15th century, during the Age of Exploration, European traders began exploring different parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, in search of new trade routes and valuable commodities. Coffee soon caught the attention of European merchants who recognized its potential as a lucrative commodity. The Dutch were the first to introduce coffee to Europe, followed by other European powers like the French and British.
During the colonial era, coffee plantations were established in various regions of the world to meet the growing demand. European powers established coffee plantations in their colonies, such as Brazil, Colombia, Java (Indonesia), and Central Africa. The mass production of coffee in these regions was made possible through the exploitation of colonized lands and the forced labor of enslaved African people.
3) Connection to globalisation:
Globalisation played a significant role in shaping the history of coffee. The spread of coffee cultivation from Ethiopia to other parts of the world was driven by global trade and exploration. European and later American companies played a crucial role in establishing coffee plantations and creating a global market for coffee.
As coffee became a popular beverage worldwide, it became deeply embedded in global trade networks. Coffee trade routes connected various regions, facilitating the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas. The demand for coffee led to the establishment of global trading systems, with coffee serving as one of the key commodities.
With advancements in transportation and communication technologies, coffee production and consumption became even more widespread. The invention of steamships and railroads facilitated the transportation of coffee from plantations to distant markets, while the development of packaging and preservation techniques extended coffee's shelf life.
Furthermore, coffee consumption and the culture surrounding it became interconnected with different societies and countries. Coffeehouses, which originated in the Middle East, became important social and intellectual hubs in Europe, fostering the exchange of ideas and the development of political and cultural movements.
In conclusion, the history of coffee demonstrates how globalisation has shaped the production, trade, and consumption of this everyday product. Global exploration, colonialism, and the establishment of global trade networks were essential factors in the spread of coffee cultivation. The interconnection of different regions through coffee trade illustrates the impact of globalisation on the coffee industry, as well as its role in shaping cultural practices and social interactions.
To answer this question, we will follow the steps mentioned and discuss the history of sneakers and how it has been shaped by globalization.
1) Understand Globalization as a historical force:
Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. It involves the spread of ideas, technologies, goods, and services across national borders, resulting in an integrated global economy. Globalization has been influenced by advancements in transportation, communication, and technology, enabling the exchange of products, information, and ideas on a global scale.
2) Explore the history of sneakers:
Sneakers, also known as athletic shoes, have a long history dating back to the late 18th century. Initially, they were primarily designed for sports and physical activities. However, over time, they transformed into a significant fashion trend and evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry.
The production of sneakers was initially localized, with small manufacturers catering to local demands. However, the process of globalization drastically impacted the industry. Sneakers became popular worldwide due to several factors:
- Mass production: With the advent of industrialization and improved manufacturing techniques, mass production of sneakers became possible. The assembly line production method, pioneered by companies like Nike and Adidas, allowed for large-scale production to meet the growing demand.
- Marketing and branding: Sneakers evolved from functional footwear to fashion statements. Companies invested heavily in marketing campaigns, endorsements from celebrities, and creating desirable brands. They used various media platforms to promote their products globally, appealing to different cultures and demographics.
- Outsourcing and globalization of production: To reduce costs and increase profits, shoe manufacturers started outsourcing their production to countries with lower labor costs, primarily in Asia. Countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia became major production hubs for sneakers, benefiting from globalization.
- Trade agreements: Trade agreements such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and WTO (World Trade Organization) played a significant role in facilitating the global distribution of sneakers. Reductions in trade barriers and tariffs made it easier for manufacturers to export sneakers to different countries.
3) Connect sneakers to the historical understanding of globalization:
The globalization of the sneaker industry has had several effects:
- Increased choice and accessibility: Globalization has made sneakers readily available to consumers worldwide. People can access a wide range of brands, styles, and designs, regardless of their geographical location. Online shopping platforms have further facilitated this accessibility.
- Cultural influence and hybridization: Sneakers have become part of popular culture and a symbol of urban fashion. The influence of different cultures is evident in sneaker designs and collaborations with artists, celebrities, and sports icons across the globe. This cultural hybridization reflects the interconnectedness brought about by globalization.
- Labor and ethical implications: The globalization of sneaker production has also raised concerns about labor conditions and supply chain ethics. Reports of sweatshop labor, low wages, and poor working conditions in some manufacturing locations have brought attention to the need for ethical production practices.
In summary, the history of sneakers represents how globalization has shaped the industry. The mass production, marketing strategies, outsourcing, trade agreements, and cultural influences have all contributed to the global popularity and accessibility of sneakers. However, it is essential to consider the ethical implications and labor conditions associated with their production in a globalized world.