19th and 20th Centuries

With the 19^th and 20^th centuries came the Industrial Revolution, which then gave rise to the Age of Empire. The west led the way with new advancements in production, communication, and transportation. The steamboat, railroad, car, and airplane all made trade faster and more efficient. Tourism travelling first came about. The telegraph, telephone, and light bulb were other major advancements in technology that created opportunity for progression in other areas. As the industrial class grew, so did the amount of consumers. The quality and quantity of products were both augmented with all of the technological advancements.

Politics and economics grew increasingly intertwined with one another. As this happened, social reform and welfare policies first came about. Imperialism and World War I stemmed from these collaborated concepts. The Age of Empire brought about four major adversary countries: Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. Britain, being the most industrialized, was a step ahead financially and with trade.

The world had become more global and more divided. The gap between the rich and the poor was growing increasingly. Protectionist policies came about, meaning countries were becoming less dominating. Westernization was one of the major causes of the Age of Empire, and it’s not too hard to see why.

The concept of the world becoming more global and more divided appeals to me to learn more about it. I do not see us moving forward globally today if becoming more global means becoming more divided.