Summary of the Chapter

The chapter "The Making of a Global World" traces the history of globalization from ancient times to the present. It begins with the pre-modern world, highlighting the importance of silk routes in linking Asia with Europe and Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and even diseases. The chapter then moves to the 19th century, exploring how technological advances, trade, and colonialism accelerated global interconnectedness.

Key themes include the role of food in shaping global relationships, such as the impact of potatoes and corn from the Americas on Europe and Asia. The chapter examines the consequences of European conquests, including the devastating effects on native populations in the Americas. It discusses the 19th-century world economy characterized by flows of labor, capital, and goods, and the rise of colonialism.

The inter-war period is analyzed, focusing on the Great Depression and its global impact. Finally, the post-1945 era is covered, highlighting the establishment of international institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and the emergence of new economic powers. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the contemporary globalized world and its challenges.

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NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers

Write in Brief (Page 60)

Question 1: Give two examples from history to show the impact of technology on food availability.

Answer-
1.Introduction of the potato: The potato, which originated in the Americas, was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. This high-yield crop became a staple food, supporting population growth and helping prevent famines. In Ireland, it became so crucial that its failure led to the Irish Potato Famine (1845-49), causing mass starvation and migration.

2.Refrigerated ships: The development of refrigerated ships in the late 19th century revolutionized food transport. It allowed perishable goods like meat, dairy, and fruits to be shipped across long distances. This technology enabled countries like Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand to export meat to Europe, improving food availability and changing dietary patterns.

Question 2: What is meant by the Bretton Woods Agreement?

Answer-
The Bretton Woods Agreement was established in July 1944 at a conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. It created a new international economic system after World War II with two main institutions:

1.International Monetary Fund (IMF): To deal with external surpluses and deficits of member nations and provide financial support.

2.World Bank: To finance post-war reconstruction and development projects in member countries.

The agreement also fixed exchange rates by pegging national currencies to the US dollar, which was convertible to gold at $35 per ounce. This system aimed to ensure economic stability and promote international trade.

Question 3: Imagine that you are an indentured Indian labourer in the Caribbean. Drawing from the details in this chapter, write a letter to your family describing your life and feelings.

Answer-
Dear Family,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing from a sugar plantation in the Caribbean where I have been working as an indentured labourer. The journey here was terrible - we were packed like animals in the ship for months. The work on the plantation is back-breaking from sunrise to sunset. The overseers are harsh, and we face discrimination daily.

They call us "coolies" and treat us as inferior. The living conditions are poor, and we struggle to maintain our cultural traditions. Many of us suffer from diseases in this unfamiliar climate. I dream of returning home after my five-year contract ends, but I know I will never be the same person. Please pray for my safe return.

Your loving son,
Ram

Question 4: Explain the three types of movements or flows within international economic exchange. Find one example of each type of flow which involved India and Indians, and write a short account of it.

Answer-
The three types of movements in international economic exchange are:

1.Flow of trade: The exchange of goods across countries.
Example: Indian textiles, especially cotton cloth, were exported to Europe in the 18th century. Indian textiles were so popular that European companies like the East India Company established trading posts in India.

2.Flow of labour: The migration of people for employment.
Example: Indian indentured labourers were taken to plantations in the Caribbean, Mauritius, and Fiji during the 19th century to replace slave labour after abolition.

3.Flow of capital: The movement of money for investment.
Example: British capital investment in Indian railways in the 19th century to transport raw materials from interior regions to ports for export to Britain.

Question 5: Explain the causes of the Great Depression.

Answer-
The Great Depression (1929-1939) was caused by multiple factors:

1.Overproduction: Agricultural and industrial overproduction led to falling prices and profits.

2.US loan withdrawal: The US, the main creditor and source of loans for Europe, withdrew its loans to protect its own economy.

3.Stock market crash: The Wall Street Crash of 1929 in the US triggered a worldwide economic collapse.

4.Banking crisis: Multiple bank failures across Europe and America destroyed people's savings.

5.Protectionist policies: Countries raised trade barriers, reducing international trade.

6.Currency instability: Many countries abandoned the gold standard, creating monetary chaos.

Question 6: Explain what is referred to as the G-77 countries. In what ways can G-77 be seen as a reaction to the activities of the Bretton Woods twins?

Answer-
The G-77 refers to the Group of 77 developing countries that emerged at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It was formed in 1964 to promote collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity.

G-77 can be seen as a reaction to the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) because:

1.Demanded new international economic order: They wanted fairer global economic rules that would benefit developing nations.

2.Protest against inequality: The Bretton Woods institutions were seen as dominated by developed countries, particularly the US.

3.Sought better terms of trade: They demanded stable and remunerative prices for raw material exports.

4.Called for development assistance: They pressed for more financial aid and technology transfer from developed nations.

5.Advocated economic sovereignty: They wanted control over their natural resources and economic policies.

Discuss (Page 60-61)

Question 1: Explain how the global transfer of disease in the pre-modern world helped in the colonisation of the Americas.

Answer-
The global transfer of diseases played a crucial role in the colonization of the Americas:

1.Devastation of native populations: Europeans brought diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza to which Native Americans had no immunity. These diseases killed up to 90% of the local population in some areas.

2.Weakening of resistance: The massive death toll from epidemics made it difficult for native societies to organize effective resistance against European invaders.

3.Labor shortage: The drastic reduction in native population created a need for imported labor, leading to the Atlantic slave trade from Africa.

4.Land availability: With native populations decimated, Europeans could easily claim and settle on vast territories.

5.Psychological impact: The inexplicable devastation caused by diseases was often interpreted by natives as divine punishment, undermining their cultural confidence.

Question 2: Write a note to explain the effects of the following: (a) The British government's decision to abolish the Corn Laws. (b) The coming of rinderpest to Africa. (c) The death of men of working-age in Europe because of the World War. (d) The Great Depression on the Indian economy. (e) The decision of MNCs to relocate production to Asian countries.

Answer-
(a) The British government's decision to abolish the Corn Laws:
Impact on agriculture: Led to the influx of cheap food imports, causing decline in British agriculture.
Global trade: Opened the British market to food imports, benefiting countries like Russia, Germany, and the US.
Industrial growth: Made food cheaper for urban workers, supporting industrial expansion.

(b) The coming of rinderpest to Africa:
Cattle devastation: The cattle plague killed about 90% of the cattle in Africa in the 1890s.
Economic impact: Destroyed the pastoral economy and way of life for African communities.
Colonial advantage: Enabled European colonizers to conquer and control African territories by weakening local economies.

(c) The death of men of working-age in Europe because of the World War:
Labor shortage: Created a massive shortage of workers in European industries and agriculture.
Women's employment: Led to large-scale employment of women in jobs previously done by men.
Economic restructuring: Forced changes in production methods and labor patterns.

(d) The Great Depression on the Indian economy:
Agricultural collapse: Prices of agricultural goods fell sharply, ruining farmers.
Industrial decline: Reduced demand for Indian industrial goods both domestically and internationally.
Peasant unrest: Led to widespread protests and movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Government revenue crisis: Sharp fall in tax revenues created financial problems for the colonial government.

(e) The decision of MNCs to relocate production to Asian countries:
Industrial growth: Boosted manufacturing and export capabilities in Asian countries.
Employment: Created new job opportunities in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Economic transformation: Helped transform these countries into major manufacturing hubs.
Global supply chains: Created complex international production networks.

Question 3: Give two examples from different periods to show the impact of technological changes on food availability.

Answer-
1.19th Century - Refrigerated ships:
The invention of refrigerated ships in the 1870s allowed perishable foods like meat, dairy, and fruits to be transported across oceans. This technology enabled countries like Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand to become major meat exporters to Europe, dramatically improving food availability and variety in European diets.

2.20th Century - Green Revolution:
The development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s, combined with chemical fertilizers and irrigation, significantly increased food production in countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines. This technological package helped prevent famines and made many countries self-sufficient in food grains.

Question 4: What is meant by the Bretton Woods Agreement? Explain.

Answer-
The Bretton Woods Agreement was a comprehensive monetary framework established in July 1944 at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Its main features were:

1.Fixed exchange rates: Currencies were pegged to the US dollar, which was convertible to gold at $35 per ounce.

2.International Monetary Fund (IMF): Created to oversee the international monetary system and provide short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments problems.

3.World Bank: Established to provide long-term loans for reconstruction and development projects.

4.Purpose: To ensure economic stability, promote international trade, and prevent competitive currency devaluations that had contributed to the Great Depression.

The system operated until 1971 when the US suspended dollar convertibility to gold.

Project (Page 61)

Question 1: Find out more about gold and diamond mining in South Africa in the 19th century. Who controlled the gold and diamond companies? Who were the miners and what were their lives like?

Answer-
Gold and Diamond Mining in 19th Century South Africa:

Control of companies: The mining industry was dominated by European capitalists, particularly British businessmen like Cecil Rhodes who founded De Beers Consolidated Mines. Large corporations controlled both diamond and gold mining.

The miners: The actual mining work was done by African laborers who were recruited through various coercive methods:
1.Migrant labor: Workers came from different parts of southern Africa on short-term contracts.
2.Poor working conditions: Miners worked in dangerous conditions with low pay and long hours.
3.Compound system: Workers were housed in closed compounds, restricting their movement.
4.Racial discrimination: White workers received better pay and positions than black workers.

Life of miners: Miners faced harsh living conditions, health hazards from dust and accidents, and separation from families. The mining industry created a racially segregated labor system that laid foundations for apartheid.

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Important Keywords from the Chapter

• Globalization: The process of international integration arising from interchange of world views, products, ideas, and culture
• Silk Routes: Ancient trade routes that connected Asia with Europe and North Africa
• Corn Laws: British laws that restricted import of corn to protect landowners
• Indentured Labour: A system of bonded labor where workers were contracted to work for a specific period
• Rinderpest: A cattle plague that affected Africa in the 1890s
• Great Depression: Worldwide economic downturn from 1929 to late 1930s
• Bretton Woods Agreement: 1944 agreement that established IMF and World Bank
• IMF: International Monetary Fund - provides financial assistance to member countries
• World Bank: Provides loans for development projects in member countries
• G-77: Group of 77 developing countries formed to promote economic cooperation
• MNCs: Multinational Corporations - companies that operate in multiple countries
• Exchange Rates: The value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another
• Colonialism: Policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country