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 , food, technology, or cultural except smartphones, coffee, t-shirts and coca-cola. Write an essay of 600 words using chicago referencing style
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.
The history of globalization as a historical force can be traced back to the fifteenth century when European explorers set out on voyages to discover new lands and establish trade routes. This era, known as the Age of Discovery, marked the beginning of an interconnected world where goods, ideas, and cultures began to flow, transforming the way people lived and interacted with one another. One product that has been profoundly shaped by globalization is the humble potato.
The potato, or Solanum tuberosum, originated in the Andes Mountains of South America and was first cultivated by indigenous communities thousands of years ago. However, it was not until the expansion of European powers and the establishment of colonies that the potato was introduced to the rest of the world. Spanish conquistadors first encountered the potato during their conquests in the Americas and brought it back to Europe in the late sixteenth century.
Initially, the potato faced resistance and suspicion in Europe. Some saw it as an exotic and potentially dangerous food, while others believed it to be fit only for animal consumption. However, its ability to thrive in various climatic conditions, adapt to different soils, and provide high yields made it increasingly appealing to farmers struggling with food shortages and population growth.
The spread of the potato across Europe was facilitated by the growing networks of trade and colonialism that characterized the era of globalization. European powers established colonies in regions such as Ireland, where the soil and climate were ideal for potato cultivation. The Irish population quickly embraced the potato as a staple crop, as it provided high calorie content and could be easily grown and stored. This reliance on potatoes led to a rapid increase in population, transforming Ireland into a predominantly agricultural society.
However, the dependence on a single crop proved to be disastrous when a strain of potato blight, caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, spread throughout Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century. The Great Irish Famine resulted in the death of approximately one million people and forced millions more to emigrate, highlighting the devastating consequences of relying on a single crop for sustenance.
The history of the potato demonstrates how globalization can both benefit and harm communities. The introduction of the potato to Europe and its subsequent spread across the continent was made possible by the interconnectedness brought about by global trade and colonialism. The potato was able to address the issue of food scarcity and helped to feed growing populations in Europe, particularly in regions with limited agricultural resources.
However, the reliance on a single crop for sustenance also exposed the vulnerability of communities to sudden disruptions, such as the potato blight in Ireland. This highlights the importance of diversifying food sources and the risks associated with overreliance on a single product, particularly in a globalized world where diseases and pests can easily spread across borders.
In conclusion, the history of the potato is a testament to the transformative power of globalization. From its origins in the Andes to its introduction and spread across Europe, the potato has been shaped by the interconnectedness brought about by global trade and colonialism. While it provided a solution to food scarcity and fueled population growth, it also exposed the vulnerability of communities to sudden disruptions. The history of the potato serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of globalization and its impact on the lives of individuals and societies.
Step 1: Understand Globalisation as a historical force
Globalisation can be understood as a historical force that has reshaped the world through increased interconnectedness, interdependence, and integration of nations and cultures. It involves the exchange of goods, capital, technology, and ideas across borders, resulting in the convergence of economies and societies.
This process of globalisation has been driven by advancements in transportation, communication, and technology, which have made it easier for goods and information to flow across borders. This has accelerated the pace of globalisation, allowing individuals, companies, and nations to interact with each other more frequently and on a larger scale.
Step 2: Explore the history of your chosen product
In this essay, I will discuss how the history of jeans has been shaped by globalisation. Jeans are a popular denim garment that is worn by people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. They have become an iconic symbol of modern fashion and youth culture.
Jeans were first invented in the late 19th century by Levi Strauss, a German immigrant who settled in San Francisco, United States. Initially, jeans were primarily worn by cowboys, miners, and laborers due to their durability and ruggedness. However, during the 20th century, jeans gained popularity and became a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity, particularly among the youth.
Step 3: Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation
Globalisation played a significant role in the spread and popularity of jeans. As global trade and travel increased, jeans were exported from the United States to other parts of the world. American movies, music, and pop culture further promoted the image of jeans as a symbol of freedom, style, and individuality.
In the 1950s and 1960s, as the United States emerged as a global economic and cultural powerhouse, American jeans began to be seen as a desirable fashion item in other countries. However, due to high import tariffs and trade barriers, jeans were initially expensive and difficult to obtain in many countries.
The process of globalisation, characterized by the liberalization of trade and the reduction of trade barriers, played a crucial role in making jeans more accessible worldwide. As countries started adopting free trade policies and integrating into the global economy, barriers to importing jeans were gradually dismantled.
The emergence of multinational clothing companies and the outsourcing of production to low-cost countries also contributed to the global spread of jeans. Companies such as Levi Strauss, Wrangler, and Lee established factories in countries like China, Mexico, and Bangladesh to capitalize on low labor costs and cater to growing demand.
The advent of the internet and e-commerce further accelerated the globalisation of jeans. Online platforms allowed consumers around the world to access and purchase a wide variety of jeans from different brands. This digital connectivity has created a global marketplace for jeans, promoting competition, innovation, and affordability.
The cultural significance of jeans also increased through globalisation. Jeans became a part of youth culture and fashion trends in various countries, transcending national boundaries. This cultural diffusion was facilitated by the media, music, and popular culture, which showcased jeans as a symbol of modernity and individual expression.
In conclusion, the history of jeans has been shaped by globalisation, which has facilitated the spread, accessibility, and cultural significance of this popular denim garment. Globalisation has enabled the global trade, production, and consumption of jeans, making them a symbol of youth, fashion, and cultural integration. Through increased interconnectedness and the breaking down of trade barriers, jeans have become a ubiquitous part of everyday life in many countries around the world.
Title: The Impact of Globalisation on Chocolate
1) Understanding Globalisation as a Historical Force:
Globalisation can be described as the process of integrating economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. It has been driven by advancements in communication, transportation, and technology, leading to increased interconnectedness among nations. This interconnectedness has had a profound impact on the history and development of various products and objects.
2) The History of Chocolate:
One product that has been significantly shaped by globalisation is chocolate. It has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Chocolate originated from the cacao tree in Mesoamerica, where it was consumed as a bitter beverage for ceremonial, medicinal, and cultural purposes by indigenous civilizations such as the Mayans and the Aztecs.
The transformation of chocolate from a bitter drink to the sweet treat we know today began during the colonial era. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors encountered chocolate during their exploration of the Americas and introduced it to Europe. Over time, it gained popularity among the European elite as a luxury commodity, primarily consumed in beverages.
The industrial revolution in the 18th century played a crucial role in the mass production and commercialization of chocolate. Technological advancements, such as steam-powered machinery, enabled the extraction of cocoa butter, resulting in the creation of solid chocolate. This led to the emergence of chocolate as a product available to a broader consumer base.
3) Connecting Chocolate to Globalisation:
The history of chocolate exemplifies how globalisation has shaped its development and consumption patterns. Global trade networks established during the colonial era facilitated the spread of cocoa beans across continents. The exchange of goods, including sugar from plantations in the Americas and spices from Asia, influenced the taste and production of chocolate.
The impact of globalisation on chocolate intensified during the 19th and 20th centuries. Advances in transportation, particularly the invention of the steamship and railways, facilitated the swift transportation of cocoa beans from West Africa, which soon became the primary source of cocoa production. The British, Dutch, and later the Swiss played significant roles in establishing and expanding cocoa plantations in West Africa during this period.
Another crucial aspect of chocolate's globalisation is the rise of large-scale chocolate corporations. Companies such as Cadbury, Nestle, and Hershey's emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leveraging global networks of production, distribution, and marketing. Their expansion into new markets, including colonial territories, showcased the global reach of chocolate as a commodity.
Furthermore, the globalization of chocolate has also brought attention to social and ethical issues. The intensification of cocoa production and the demand for lower prices have led to labor exploitation, deforestation, and socioeconomic challenges in cocoa-producing regions. Advocacy groups and certifications such as Fairtrade have emerged in response, aiming to mitigate the negative impacts of globalisation on chocolate production.
In conclusion, the history of chocolate exemplifies the profound influence of globalisation. The exchange of ingredients and techniques, advancements in transportation and technology, and the establishment of global trade networks have shaped the development, production, and consumption patterns of chocolate. However, it is vital to recognize the social and ethical challenges associated with the globalisation of chocolate and work towards ensuring a sustainable and fair industry.
References:
[Please note that due to the limitations of this platform, I am unable to provide a full Chicago-style reference list with proper citations. However, you can consult sources such as books, articles, and reputable websites to gather information and create accurate citations.]