Class 10 History

1. Introduction

The modern world is deeply interconnected. Goods, people, ideas, money and technology move from one country to another. However, globalisation is not a new phenomenon. The making of a global world has a long history.

2. The Pre-modern World

Long before the modern age, people travelled across long distances for trade, work, religious purposes and adventure.

Reasons for Travel

• Trade
• Work and employment
• Religious purposes
• Escape from persecution
• Adventure and exploration

3. The Silk Routes

The Silk Routes connected Asia with Europe and Africa. These routes existed before the Christian era and remained active until the fifteenth century.

Items Traded

• Silk
• Spices
• Textiles
• Precious metals

The Silk Routes also helped in the exchange of ideas, religions and cultures.

4. Food Travels

Food is an important example of cultural exchange. Many foods travelled from their original places to different parts of the world.

• Potatoes
• Maize
• Tomatoes
• Chillies
• Soya beans

5. Disease and Trade

The movement of people also led to the spread of diseases. European conquerors brought diseases such as smallpox to America.

The native population had no immunity against these diseases. As a result, millions of people died.

6. The Nineteenth Century (1815–1914)

The nineteenth century witnessed major changes in the world economy. Three important flows developed:

• Flow of Trade
• Flow of Labour
• Flow of Capital

7. The Corn Laws

Britain imposed restrictions on the import of food grains. These laws were known as the Corn Laws.

After the abolition of the Corn Laws:

• Food could be imported into Britain.
• Food prices became cheaper.
• British agriculture changed.
• Many people migrated to cities and other countries.

8. Role of Technology

New technology played an important role in the growth of global trade.

• Railways
• Steamships
• Telegraph

These technologies made transport and communication faster and cheaper.

9. Rinderpest in Africa

Rinderpest was a deadly cattle disease that spread in Africa during the 1890s.

Effects

• Millions of cattle died.
• African livelihoods were destroyed.
• Africans became dependent on European colonisers.
• European control over Africa became stronger.

10. Indentured Labour

Indentured labourers were workers who signed a contract to work for an employer for a fixed period.

Indian Labourers Were Sent To:

• Caribbean Islands
• Mauritius
• Fiji
• Ceylon
• Malaya

They worked on plantations, mines and construction projects.

11. India and the Global World

India played an important role in the nineteenth-century world economy.

Major Exports from India

• Raw Cotton
• Jute
• Wheat
• Opium

India also became an important market for British manufactured goods.

12. The Great Depression

The Great Depression began around 1929. It had a severe impact on the world economy.

Causes

• Agricultural overproduction
• Falling prices
• Bank failures
• Decline in demand
• Unemployment

Effects

• Production declined.
• World trade decreased.
• Farmers suffered heavily.
• Unemployment increased.
• Businesses closed.

13. Impact of the Great Depression on India

• Agricultural prices fell sharply.
• Farmers' income declined.
• Peasants found it difficult to pay revenue.
• Rural indebtedness increased.

14. The Second World War

The Second World War began in 1939 and ended in 1945.

The war caused enormous destruction and brought major changes in the world economy and political system.

15. The Bretton Woods System

In July 1944, representatives of many countries met at Bretton Woods in the USA.

Important Institutions

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

It was created to deal with external financial problems of member countries.

World Bank

It was established to finance post-war reconstruction.

16. Decolonisation and Independence

After the Second World War, many colonies in Asia and Africa became independent.

Major Challenges

• Poverty
• Unemployment
• Lack of industries
• Dependence on developed countries

17. Globalisation in the Modern World

From the 1970s onwards, multinational companies began shifting production to Asian countries because labour was cheaper.

China became an important centre of manufacturing.

Modern Globalisation Connects Countries Through:

• Trade
• Technology
• Investment
• Migration
• Communication

Important Dates

Important Keywords

Globalisation: Increasing connection between countries through trade, investment, technology and migration.

Silk Routes: Ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

Indentured Labour: Workers employed under a contract for a fixed period.

Rinderpest: A deadly cattle disease.

Great Depression: A worldwide economic crisis beginning in 1929.

IMF: International Monetary Fund.