Introduction
Globalization is one of the most important themes in AP World History: Modern, especially in the post-1900 period. It refers to the increasing interconnectedness of people, economies, cultures, and politics across the globe.
From the Columbian Exchange in 1492 to the rise of the Internet in the late 20th century, globalization shapes how states and societies interact. On the exam, globalization appears in multiple choice, DBQs, LEQs, and SAQs, so you need a strong grasp of its causes, effects, and historical patterns.
This guide breaks down globalization’s evolution and provides strategies to apply your knowledge on the AP World exam — with RevisionDojo resources to help you review effectively.
What Is Globalization?
Globalization is the integration of economies, societies, and cultures through:
- Trade networks (from Silk Roads to the WTO).
- Communication technologies (telegraph, telephone, internet).
- Migration of people and ideas.
- Political and economic systems spreading across borders.
In AP World, globalization is not just about economics. It also includes cultural diffusion, social change, and political realignments.
Stages of Globalization in AP World
1. Early Globalization (1450–1750)
- Driven by the Columbian Exchange.
- Exchange of crops, animals, and diseases between Old and New Worlds.
- Rise of the Atlantic slave trade connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
- Spread of Christianity through missionaries.
Key Example: The introduction of potatoes and maize to Europe fueled population growth.
2. Industrial-Age Globalization (1750–1900)
- Industrial Revolution connected markets through steamships, railroads, and telegraphs.
- Imperialism spread global economic systems (cotton from India, rubber from Congo, tea from China).
- Labor migrations (indentured servants from India, Chinese railroad workers).
Key Example: The British Empire used industrial power to dominate global trade routes.
3. Modern Globalization (1900–Present)
- Rise of multinational corporations (Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Apple).
- Cold War globalization (U.S. vs. Soviet blocs).
- Post-1990s globalization: spread of the internet, outsourcing, global finance.
- Cultural globalization: K-pop, Bollywood, Hollywood influence.
- Environmental globalization: Climate change, deforestation, pollution crossing borders.
Key Example: The creation of the United Nations in 1945 shows political globalization.
Causes of Globalization
- Technological innovations (printing press, steam engine, internet).
- Desire for trade and profit (mercantilism, capitalism).
- Imperialism and colonialism (empires expanded markets).
- Modern communication systems (telegraphs → fiber optics → smartphones).
Effects of Globalization
Positive Effects
- Spread of technology and innovation.
- Economic growth and new markets.
- Cultural exchange (food, music, religion).
- Political cooperation (international organizations).
Negative Effects
- Spread of diseases (smallpox in Americas, COVID-19 globally).
- Environmental damage (industrial pollution, climate change).
- Cultural homogenization (loss of local traditions).
- Economic inequality (wealth gap between developed and developing nations).
Globalization on the AP Exam
DBQ Example
Prompt: Evaluate the effects of globalization on world societies from 1900 to present.
- Evidence: Spread of consumer culture (Coca-Cola, Nike), digital technology, decolonization/global finance.
LEQ Example
Prompt: Compare the effects of globalization in the early modern period (1450–1750) and the modern period (1900–present).
- Early modern: Columbian Exchange, slavery, mercantilism.
- Modern: Internet, multinational corporations, environmental impact.
SAQ Example
Question: Identify one cause of globalization in the modern period and one effect.
- Answer: Cause: Rise of the internet. Effect: Spread of social movements across borders.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Thinking globalization is only about economics (it’s cultural, political, and environmental too).
- Forgetting continuity and change (trade always connected societies, but the scale expanded dramatically).
- Ignoring negative effects like inequality and ecological damage.
- Memorizing examples without connecting them to themes.
RevisionDojo Resources for Globalization
With RevisionDojo, you can:
- Use interactive timelines to track stages of globalization.
- Practice DBQs with globalization documents.
- Memorize anchor events (1492, 1750, 1914, 1945, 1991).
- Access flashcards linking globalization themes to regions.
This ensures you can explain globalization not just as events, but as patterns shaping world history.
Conclusion
Globalization is one of the most testable AP World History themes because it spans the entire course. By breaking it down into stages, causes, and effects, and connecting it to trade, culture, politics, and environment, you’ll be ready to use it on any essay or multiple-choice question.
With RevisionDojo’s tools, mastering globalization becomes less about memorization and more about understanding patterns and applying them effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to know exact dates for globalization events?
A: Know anchor years like 1492 (Columbian Exchange), 1750 (Industrial Revolution), 1914 (WWI), 1945 (UN), and 1991 (end of Cold War).
Q: How often does globalization appear on the exam?
A: Almost every year — especially in DBQs and comparison essays.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between early and modern globalization?
A: Early globalization was regional and trade-focused, while modern globalization is global, technological, and political.
Q: How do I study globalization efficiently?
A: Use RevisionDojo comparison charts and flashcards to connect events across time.
Q: Can globalization be both good and bad?
A: Yes — it spread knowledge and technology but also caused inequality and environmental damage.
