“The World is Flat”

Friedman, T. L. (2005) The World Is Flat. Farrarr, Straus and Giroux, New York, NY.

Define These Words

GlobalizationImperialismIndustrial RevolutionMultinational CorporationsOutsourcing

Globalization

The trend to involve more and more of the Earth.

Imperialism

Domination by one country of the political, economic, or cultural life of another country.

Industrial RevolutionTime period of change from a traditional, agricultural economy to an industrial economy

Multinational Corporations

Businesses that operate in many different countries.

OutsourcingTo send out (work, for example) to an outside provider or manufacturer in order to cut costs.

4 Stages of Globalization

Before Globalization1492- 1800 (Imperialism)1800 – 2000 Industrial Revolution + Multinational Corporations2000 - ? The Current Era

Before Globalization

Communication was done by word of mouth, or possibly written word (letters) if you were literate.

Transportation was by foot, on horseback, or on small boats

Before Globalization

A person only knew of the world that they could communicate with.This included their farm, city, country, or possibly continent. People in this era believed that the World was flat.

Globalization era 1 1492- 1800

Gutenberg invented the printing press causing more people to become literate. More people could speak foreign languages.

Wind and steam power were being used.This led to the invention of bigger, faster boats for ocean travel.

Globalization era 1 1492- 1800

This era began with Columbus discovering America.This was an era of Imperialism. European countries competed with each other for Global Domination.European Countries rushed to create colonies throughout the rest of the world. WHY?

Globalization Era 2 1800-2000

Communication tools available included: Television, Radio, Newspapers, Magazines, Computers, etc.

Transportation innovations included: Trains, Planes, Automobiles, etc.

Globalization Era 2 1800-2000

The Industrial Revolution occurs in this era. Many goods were produced quickly and cheaply by machines in factories. The number of multi-national corporations increased, where companies work in a variety of countries. Ex. Nike, McDonalds, TI.

TodayMany new technologies are available to improve our ways of communicating.For example, we have cell phones, teleconferencing, and the World Wide Web.

Air travel is available, but there is also an increased threat of terror.Travel is not needed as much due to new technology.

Today

Individuals can compete with corporations in a world-wide economy.Non-Europeans are competing in the world-wide economy.Companies are outsourcing to make bigger profits.How does outsourcing affect the American Worker?

The world is flat because…

Through electronic devices (teleconferencing), we can be present in different parts of the world at the same time.We have a world-wide economy. What happens in India can effect us immediately.