zuai-logo

Global Economic Development from 1750 to 1900

Ethan Taylor

Ethan Taylor

8 min read

Listen to this study note

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. 😠
Key Concept

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.

  • United Kingdom: The OG industrial powerhouse, exporting textiles, iron, and steel. Britain was like the world's factory floor. 🏭

  • 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. 🚢...

Question 1 of 16

Which of the following was a major catalyst for the global economic changes during 1750-1900? 🚀

A decline in global trade

A decrease in technological advancements

Industrialization

Isolation of nations