4.1.2

Development of Globalisation

Test yourself

Globalisation in the 19th Century

Globalisation is not a new process. The British Empire can be seen as an early example of globalisation. But several factors have sped up globalisation during the 19th century:

Illustrative background for Advances in transport technologyIllustrative background for Advances in transport technology ?? "content

Advances in transport technology

  • World trade began to grow more rapidly towards the end of the 1800s.
  • The growth of railways, telegraphs and steamships all accelerated the rate of globalisation.
Illustrative background for Emergence of TNCsIllustrative background for Emergence of TNCs ?? "content

Emergence of TNCs

  • Transnational corporations began to emerge because advances in technology allowed goods produced in one country to be transported to another country.
    • E.g. DuPont was a chemicals and gunpowder manufacturer founded in 1802. Advances in transport allowed DuPont to start to sell internationally.
Illustrative background for Britain's role in globalisationIllustrative background for Britain's role in globalisation ?? "content

Britain's role in globalisation

  • Britain was the world leader in steam power in the 19th century.
  • Having this technological advantage allowed Britain to transport goods and people to other parts of the British Empire (mainly Africa and Asia).

Globalisation in the 20th Century

Globalisation is not a new process. The British Empire can be seen as an early example of globalisation. Several factors have sped up globalisation during the 20th century:

Illustrative background for Transport - aeroplanesIllustrative background for Transport - aeroplanes ?? "content

Transport - aeroplanes

  • In the 20th century, technology in transportation continued to advance.
  • The development of jet aircraft to replace aircraft propellers happened during World War 2, first by the Germans and then the Americans.
  • Jet aircraft were first used for military purposes. But after the Second World War, they were used for passengers. This was the start of commercial airlines.
Illustrative background for Transport - containerisationIllustrative background for Transport - containerisation ?? "content

Transport - containerisation

  • Containerisation accelerated globalisation materially.
  • Containerisation is the protocol of a uniform container size that can be placed on all ships and transported all over the world.
  • They can also be called intermodal containers.
  • The key idea is that by making sure that all containers are the same size, ships and ports around the world can be fitted to deal with all types of goods in the containers. This makes global shipping become far quicker and cheaper.
Illustrative background for 'Shrinking world' effectIllustrative background for 'Shrinking world' effect ?? "content

'Shrinking world' effect

  • Containerisation and jet aircraft led to the 'shrinking world' effect.
  • The ‘shrinking-world’ effect means that while the physical distance between places remains the same, places feel much closer together.

Globalisation in the 21st Century

Globalisation is not a new process. The British Empire can be seen as an early example of globalisation. Globalisation has continued to accelerate, with further advances and the diffusion of innovations in the 21st century.

Illustrative background for ICT and mobile advancesIllustrative background for ICT and mobile advances ?? "content

ICT and mobile advances

  • The rapid development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and mobile communication (e.g. mobile phones, the internet, social networking, electronic banking and fibre optics) all accelerated globalisation.
  • These technological developments have been particularly important in developing countries where a lack of infrastructure has been a major factor in the lack of economic growth.
Illustrative background for Leap-froggingIllustrative background for Leap-frogging ?? "content

Leap-frogging

  • Many developing countries are now leap-frogging now out-dated technology. For example, some countries don’t build landline phones and just use mobile phones.
  • In Kenya, people use electronic banking and their mobile phones to make payments (with something called M-Pesa), often before having a bank card.
Illustrative background for Time-space compressionIllustrative background for Time-space compression ?? "content

Time-space compression

  • ICT and mobile communication advances have lowered the costs of global communications and contributed to time-space compression.
  • Time-space compression allows the relative distances between places to feel far shorter.
  • Of the top 10 most valuable TNC brands in 2018, six are technology companies. This shows the importance of digital software and mobile phones.
    • Apple is the most valuable brand, with Google and Microsoft coming second and third.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson