Globalization is a process of international linkages between countries in the world in terms of cultural, political, and economic networks. Various parts of the world find themselves not only affected by events happening many miles away, but they also tend to intervene in those events where they can, to avoid such negative effects. Globalization of the international economy is the linking of international markets through social and infrastructural networks that make it operate as one big market. The process involves the cutback and elimination of controls between national and regional borders to simplify the movement of goods, capital, services, and labor. This enables mutual trade between countries in diverse regions to go on in increased intensity and higher volumes being traded.
Globalization during 1800-1914 involved the search for raw materials for industries in Europe and other parts of the world. This leads to the transfer of capital, knowledge, people in form of migration and slave trade, and transfer of commodities. During this period, the flow of goods, services people and capital moved from continent to continent and lead to integration. In 1914, the First World War broke out undermining globalization.
Trade- The main utilities of this international trade enhancement are improved physical infrastructure and transport systems such as shipping, air transport, and road and rail networks. Between 1800 and 1914, trades among continent, s grew and was supported by the construction of Suez Canal and the successful usage of steam ship. The steam ships helped to reduce the transportation costs. There was a construction of railway especially in Europe and their colonies.
Capital flow– Europe was a source of capital during these periods. Most regions, which had access with a Europe capitals developed quickly. Countries like Australia, Japan, Canada, USA, Argentina and Brazil had great development because capital from Europe. Continents like Africa experienced capital inflow from Europe especially in the construction of communication and transport networks. Britain was the largest exporter of capital followed by German respectively. It is estimated that the three countries had 75% of total capital outflow. Britain exported 42% of the total capital (Maddison 1995: 65).
Migration– During this period people migrated between continents and this period there was no restriction of movement of from various continents. Movement took place as slave trade immigration. People from Africa were taken to Americas as slaves while people from Europe, Americas, and Asia moved to other parts of the world to settle, look for raw materials, and offer labour. Those who moved were looking for a greener pastures. Though colonialism and slavery have long since been abandoned as social systems, Christianity continued to play a role in driving forward mostly western capitalist ideals despite the fact that it was originally a Middle East religion.
Trade in knowledge- In the United kingdom there was a law for forbidding the emigration of skilled people. However, this was to repealed and skilled people moved to different parts of the world. Though it is not necessarily a new phenomenon, Globalization has been intensified with the improvement in technology. Currently it is very difficult to live in one part of the world without gaining access to goods, services, and information from other parts of the world. This is mainly due to the cultural load of advertisements than influence people to accept cultural items such as foodstuffs, medicines, and dressing as the best or the most modern. A desire is created for such items, which results in a vacuum calling for satisfaction. In this way the wheels of international trade grind on without inhibition.
Christianity has become a primary component of both globalization and capitalism. The spread of Christianity during the 18th century and 19th centuries by various missionaries was in many cases a precursor of colonial occupation mainly driven capitalist ideals. The spread was christened the bible on one hand and the gun on the other. This clearly depicts the manner in which the gun was used to lure new converts while the colonists using guns soon enough coerced those who did not adapt to the new religion. Though colonialism and slavery have long since been abandoned as social systems, Christianity continued to play a role in driving forward mostly western capitalist ideals despite the fact that it was originally a Middle East religion.
Reference
Maddison, A., (1995). Monitoring the World Economy 1820 – 1992. Paris : OECD.