The World - 19th Century till now
The history of the world, human history to be precise, is very long and composed of events and details which anyone could remember. Fewer and fewer details are available when we go back in history. Here we are not talking about the history which is not written or vaguely written or rarely/ not available to us.
In the earlier centuries, the inventions of agriculture, fire, megalithic construction and speech became the foundation of human life, as well as the development of arts and sciences. With the 'rediscovery' of Classical learning, the invention of new economic models (like mercantilism) and increased contact around the globe started to shape the world it is today.
Early modernity will see the creation of the nation-state, the rise of capitalism and colonialism and the beginning of industrialization.
The World at the end of 19th c.
The fruits of capital intensive and cheap-labor-driven industrialization were enormous for nations who can do it. Some impacts are:
1. Research into mechanical and steam-driven engines speeded-up, leading to transport revolution.
2. Destruction of the family as a primary unit of life and love - when everyone including kids is working 18 hours a day, who has time for family.
3. Beginning of the era of anthropogenic (man-made) global warming, though the Rich World conveniently speaks less about it. Destruction of seas and natural bodies.
4. The railway revolution and the ease of using metals on large scale led to militarisation on a large scale.
Circumstances came together and the nations of Europe plunged themselves into the "First World War", where everyone was fighting almost everyone else, with overlapping treaties and agreements, confusing a clear demarcation from friend to foe. Massive bloodshed from 1914-1919 changed Europe Completely.
The devastation of the World War -I had greatly destabilized Europe, and in many respects, World-War-II grew out of issues left unresolved by the earlier conflict. In particular, political and economic instability in Germany, and lingering resentment over harsh terms imposed by the Versailles Treaty.
The Rise of America and brave new world 1954-1991
An introvert America soon learned its lessons, primary one being 'strength bestows responsibility'. It was pulled bloody continental war - The World War - II - when its supply line to allied nations across the vast Atlantic was disrupted by the confident Nazi navy led by the merciless U-Boats. USA jumped into the fray after that USA was the superpower and three World's emerged:
1. THE FIRST WORLD: Rich, Industrialised, Western nations - all great powers!
2. THE SECOND WORLD: The communist bloc led by USSR and China, and some more.
3. THE THIRD WORLD: Everyone bunched together - basically the developing world.
World power structure was altered for a long time to come in 1991 with the end of Cold War when the Soviet Union acknowledged defeat, disbanded itself, and passed on the undisputed leadership of the world to the USA, the sole superpower, or hyperpower now.
Modern Global Order - 1945 onwards
The global village we see around us today is a result of major changes that happen to post WW-II. The Bretton Woods Conference created the IMF and the World Bank, designed to preempt those forces that lead nations to a bloody war.
The rise of computers and information technology started redefining the concept of wealth creation itself.
GATT which later evolved into WTO dreamed of world trading order based on transparent rules and benefits for all, not only some.
For some time, it almost seemed certain that mankind has taken a decision to emerge as one identity - one planet, one people.
Future Ahead
Nobody can doubt that the 21st century will be an Asian century. The rise of Asia is concluded surmise of multiple streams that are criss-crossing the whole world. Three biggest contenders in the emerging power game are India, China, and Japan.
In the earlier centuries, the inventions of agriculture, fire, megalithic construction and speech became the foundation of human life, as well as the development of arts and sciences. With the 'rediscovery' of Classical learning, the invention of new economic models (like mercantilism) and increased contact around the globe started to shape the world it is today.
Early modernity will see the creation of the nation-state, the rise of capitalism and colonialism and the beginning of industrialization.
The World at the end of 19th c.
The fruits of capital intensive and cheap-labor-driven industrialization were enormous for nations who can do it. Some impacts are:
1. Research into mechanical and steam-driven engines speeded-up, leading to transport revolution.
2. Destruction of the family as a primary unit of life and love - when everyone including kids is working 18 hours a day, who has time for family.
3. Beginning of the era of anthropogenic (man-made) global warming, though the Rich World conveniently speaks less about it. Destruction of seas and natural bodies.
4. The railway revolution and the ease of using metals on large scale led to militarisation on a large scale.
Circumstances came together and the nations of Europe plunged themselves into the "First World War", where everyone was fighting almost everyone else, with overlapping treaties and agreements, confusing a clear demarcation from friend to foe. Massive bloodshed from 1914-1919 changed Europe Completely.
The devastation of the World War -I had greatly destabilized Europe, and in many respects, World-War-II grew out of issues left unresolved by the earlier conflict. In particular, political and economic instability in Germany, and lingering resentment over harsh terms imposed by the Versailles Treaty.
The Rise of America and brave new world 1954-1991
An introvert America soon learned its lessons, primary one being 'strength bestows responsibility'. It was pulled bloody continental war - The World War - II - when its supply line to allied nations across the vast Atlantic was disrupted by the confident Nazi navy led by the merciless U-Boats. USA jumped into the fray after that USA was the superpower and three World's emerged:
1. THE FIRST WORLD: Rich, Industrialised, Western nations - all great powers!
2. THE SECOND WORLD: The communist bloc led by USSR and China, and some more.
3. THE THIRD WORLD: Everyone bunched together - basically the developing world.
World power structure was altered for a long time to come in 1991 with the end of Cold War when the Soviet Union acknowledged defeat, disbanded itself, and passed on the undisputed leadership of the world to the USA, the sole superpower, or hyperpower now.
Modern Global Order - 1945 onwards
The global village we see around us today is a result of major changes that happen to post WW-II. The Bretton Woods Conference created the IMF and the World Bank, designed to preempt those forces that lead nations to a bloody war.
The rise of computers and information technology started redefining the concept of wealth creation itself.
GATT which later evolved into WTO dreamed of world trading order based on transparent rules and benefits for all, not only some.
For some time, it almost seemed certain that mankind has taken a decision to emerge as one identity - one planet, one people.
Future Ahead
Nobody can doubt that the 21st century will be an Asian century. The rise of Asia is concluded surmise of multiple streams that are criss-crossing the whole world. Three biggest contenders in the emerging power game are India, China, and Japan.
Brief and concise
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