Global Economic Development from 1750 to 1900

Ethan Taylor
8 min read
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#AP World History: Modern - The Global Economy (1750-1900) 🌍
Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam with a super-focused review of the global economy from 1750-1900. This period is HUGE, so we're breaking it down to make sure you're ready to rock! 🚀
#1. Introduction: A World in Transformation
This era saw massive economic shifts driven by industrialization, trade, and tech advancements. Think of it as the world's economy going from a slow stroll to a full-on sprint! 🏃💨
- Industrial Revolution: Started in Britain in the late 1700s, leading to new tech, factories, and mass production. It's like the world's biggest glow-up! ✨
- Global Trade: Steamships and railroads made trade faster and cheaper, connecting the world like never before. Imagine a super-fast global delivery service! 🚢🚂
- Colonialism: European powers grabbed colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, exploiting resources for their own benefit. Not cool, but a crucial part of the story. 😠
Remember: This period had winners and losers. While some areas boomed, others were exploited. It's a story of uneven development. ⚖️
#2. The Rise of Export Economies
Some regions became major exporters, fueled by industrial demand. Think of them as the world's suppliers of key resources and goods.
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United Kingdom: The OG industrial powerhouse, exporting textiles, iron, and steel. Britain was like the world's factory floor. 🏭
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United States, Germany, Japan: These countries also saw massive export growth thanks to new tech and trade. They were the rising stars of the global economy. 🌟
Focus on how industrialization drove the need for raw materials and created global trade networks. This is a major theme on the AP exam. 💡
#3. Technological Developments: The Game Changers
These inventions sped everything up and connected the world in new ways.
#3.1. Railroads
- Transformed transportation, moving goods and people faster than ever. Think of them as the arteries of the global economy. 🛤️
- Opened up new markets and territories for trade. They were like the world's highways. 🛣️
#3.2. Telegraph
- Enabled instant communication over long distances. It was like the first global text messaging system! 📱
- Made trade coordination much more efficient. Think of it as the internet of its time. 🌐
#3.3. Steamships
- Made international trade faster and cheaper. They were the workhorses of global commerce. 🚢...

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