Final Research Paper

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Annotated Bibliography: New Colonialism; the Restructuring of our Global Societies

“World Economic Situation and Prospects 2019 | Multimedia Library - United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.” United Nations, United Nations, 2019, www.un.org/development/desa/publications/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-2019.

 

To the citizens of the planet Earth,

Right now, as we meet, the planet is going through a difficult and unprecedented time in history. Every single country is facing an unknown future with health-related risks and badly needed to restarts our economies. Regardless of what country we are from, regardless of the distance or economic differences, striving to have our lives back is a goal that is shared by the entire planet.

Knowing that life itself, except for the actual rotation of the earth, has come to a halt! We, the people of earth are in need of joining together to fight this pandemic and improve our way of life; health-wise and economically. A restructuring of resources and economic distribution is critical to allow for an efficient restart to our way of life.

Describing Colonialism

The concept of Economic Transformation is nothing new, in fact, this idea dates as far back as 1450 – 1750 during the rise of Colonialism. Understanding that the idea of finally securing trade, goods, resources while realigning financial distribution has been done already with some favorable results and some not so favorable. As we learned in our course, the concept and implementation of colonialism were one that helped shape the modern era the fastest economically speaking. Was economical change the only difference that happened in the world during this era?

No, there was the introduction of illnesses to many regions of the world, decimating populations and weakening societies strongholds, and the introduction to slavery to allow for designated labor to produce just the right amount of production to properly and skillfully increase economic growth to the world economy.

After the black plague was introduced to world by vermin which infiltrated into the Silk Road trading essentially degraded every nation's civilization; city by city. Besides the collapse of civil leadership in this chain of nations, economical gain was also halted and required a reboot aka restart.

How does it relate to our time?

Might this scenario sound familiar? Is our current situation with COVID-19 a repeat of history just like the Black Plague? Is this an echo in history for us to experience? How could this be happening again in the modern-day era?

These questions came to light as we studied week after week during the Shelter-in-place order, during our financial halting causing a financial crash on March, Friday the 13^th. The new reporting and happenings began to mimic some facts of what we were studying in World History.

This was a TRIP, to say the least, and frightfully scary that it even was happening to us right now let alone that this happened 570 years ago, already! Are we facing a 21^st century Colonialism as a new world movement? Has this been planned all along and what should we expect?

Let us take a look at what is happening today not only in our society but view all the nations as a global market as a whole. In Chapter 12, page 531 it says, “the emergence of a radically new kind of human society” was to rise from the ruins of the global economic crash during the demise of the Mongol Empire.

There were new resources where sought, new methods of commerce and production were created to fuel new growth. Colonialism created new ways to revive these markets, trade, and labor by the introduction of a larger workforce. This notion drove civil leaders to step back and take a larger look at how to fix these issues from a global point of view.

Having learned that some approaches failed and were unkind and downright horrifying to even say the least, we could be looking at a repeat of this order of restructuring again in our lifetime. Might I be sounding like an alarmist! Or even somewhat crazy? Let’s see.

UN Agenda for restructuring

In an organized and thought out agenda created by the United Nations, it says, “The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2019 offers timely warnings about a range of macroeconomic challenges facing policymakers as they aim to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”,

“The intervening year has been punctuated by escalating global trade disputes and episodes of financial stress and volatility, amid an undercurrent of geopolitical tensions”. Our fate is already planned by the select few, monarchs, our politicians and world leaders.

The United Nations, the ultimate governing body for law and global behavior has outlined guidelines and a course of actions that need to be taken at a global level to ensure the future of humankind to exist and succeed in the future. They created a document which has 17 goals to achieve and focus improvements for the planet as a whole.

Yes, yes, Conspiracy theory comes to mind when we hear such talk, BUT to actually find information published and available to all to read was something of a shock. It is like having an open house at Area 51 for all to see if you chose.

The 246 paged agenda addresses Regional Developments and Outlooks based on Economical stands: Developed Countries, Economies in Transition and Developing Economies (which are actually listed by each nation’s by name).

Globalized Economical Changes

 

Coming back to the concept of Colonialism, a new method of generating trade and economical growth is what drove to new ideas and ways of development. Working remote has had it’s positive and negative impacts on our economies but as a whole, it continues to fuel our global markets in support to the highest levels of online trades and purchasing every recorded.

It seems to be working, now what?  Well, if we look back in history, the model shows that as long as we are able to maximize labor efforts at the right level of supply and demand, we WILL be successful in transitioning to this new way of life as a global community.

People of Earth, be prepared for what comes next. Know that this process has been set forth by our ruling leaders long ago. The way we live is about to change, let’s see how well they thought it all out.  The New Colonialism has begun.  Best of luck to us all!

 

 

Resources

“World Economic Situation and Prospects 2019 | Multimedia Library - United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.” United Nations, United Nations, 2019, www.un.org/development/desa/publications/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-2019.

 

“Early Modern (1450-1750).” Freemanpedia, www.freeman-pedia.com/earlymodern.

 

Strayer, Robert. “Chapter 14 Economic Transformations - Commerce and Consequences 1450-1750.” Ways of the World: a Global History with Sources, by Robert W. Strayer and Eric Nelson, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2016, pp. 600–641.

 

 

 Quiz #4

How has learning World History this summer grown your ability to understand or appreciate the article?

1) Umut Uras. “Turkey turning Hagia Sophia back into mosque divides social media.” Al Jazeera. July 11, 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/turkey-turning-hagia-sophia-mosque-divides-social-media-200711104417533.html

In this article, it discusses the argument of the repurposing of a former Byzantine Church (which is a museum now) into a useful mosque. SO many outside people have an opinion about not wanting the Turkish government to allow such a public loss. When in fact, it is not a loss, it is being repurposed into a wonderful and useful place of worship. What better to do with a museum, preserve ti into a church. How many Churches across Europe have been preserved; West Minister Abby, Barcelona's Gothic Church, Sixteenth Chapel, etc. So many of these religious artifacts are still in use today! In our textbook, it outlined the rise and fall of societies, empires, and civilizations. This rise of new nations has to "stimulate the exchange of ideas, cultures, and values" (p.106). This stimulus allows for the building on culture, society, and even a structure. Hundreds of centuries of history have fallen and been rebuilt, even on the exact same foundations like a ghost of nations past. People argue that this Byzantine church should not be disturbed or used, well, I say, if it is being used for another holy sanctuary, so be it. And good for them!  Historically speaking, most buildings and structures of a conquested nation were destroyed, this one has been preserved. There are no more Byzantines, the world has changed and assimilated them into today's Turkey. Roman temples and roads (p.119) pave most of Europe but other nations have built upon them and no one says anything. In fact, The Dome on the Rock, a mosque in Jerusalem (p.412) was built on the exact location Jesus was taught and the stone of Abraham lies. Last I checked, Israel is Jewish and is not a Muslim state but yet still allowed to have such a structure which is being used for the glory of Allah (God). Like the many nations and cities of old; Mexico City, Paris, Rome, Athens, and now Istanbul; to repurpose a sacred and ancient building for the better of a nation should always be allowed.

https://romanenvironment.wordpress.com/roads-of-the-roman-empire/

2) Anne Mawathe. “Coronavirus: Why Africans should take part in vaccine trials.” BBC. May 18, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52678741

In this article on Africans being used for Coronoavirus testing, I am shocked but not shocked by such allegations. Just because a country is lacking in funding and needed supplies to combat this worldwide pandemic should NEVER be a reason to even make false news. The BBC took a professional and information medical approach to this public and false mess. By approaching the facts and not the accusation was the best way to address it. Africa has long been a nation of mistreatment and abuse. 

In our textbook on p. 791 it speaks of how Europeans viewed all races, especially when showing the "Progressive Development of Man". It illustrates an Ape, African, Native American, Asian, and finally a white man. This progress clearly is showing a superiority on race and color and how and where everyone in the world ranks. In another chapter, the "Power of the State" was discussed in where Africans where forced labor in the colonial system doing whatever was requested, having a massive slave labor force to do one's bitting is something that Europeans have recently learned to live without. It has only been from "The period from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s" has been the "age of African independence as a colony".  No wonder these wild but substantiated stories surface with the continuation of mistreatment and racist ways people in the world are still being viewed.

https://sites.psu.edu/afr110/2014/10/08/the-two-unique-colonialism/

3) Ganesh Chakravarthi. “Is it Time to Embrace the Anthropocene? The Anthropocene requires that humanity take responsibility for preserving the earth and its species.” The Diplomat. February 11, 2020. https://thediplomat.com/2020/02/is-it-time-to-embrace-the-anthropocene/

Anthropocene is defined as the "age of man." (p. 1052) This definition means that man has come into his/her own. Not in the sense of enlightenment, that has already happened, but the era that MANKIND is now aware of its place in the world and is now accountable for our acts to the world. This article speaks of the growth and expansion of man. How it has changed the world and what is the potential yet to come? In our text, Ways of the World on p. 1053, it discusses the three major factors that have caused environmental change. 

1. Population explosion - Population has tripled in less than 100 years, an unsustainable rate of growth

2. Fossil fuels - Depletion of natural resources that can NOT be replaced, causing Carbon footprint.

3. Economic growth - Goods and Services - Massive manufacturing stripping the earth of minerals

On p. 1055 it speaks of the birth of Modern environmentalism dating as far back as the late eighteenth century. People began to look at the long term effect of what we were doing and how it damages our environment. In those days, they did not know as much information as we do but they were at least conscious of what was being done. In the article it says, "Martin Rees, the astronomer royal and former president of the Royal Society, said, “The darkest prognosis for the next millennium is that bio, cyber or environmental catastrophes could foreclose humanity’s immense potential, leaving a depleted biosphere.”

Sensing self demise in the direction of growth and usage that we are going in, it is no wonder that was as humans need to constantly look back in our history to learn from our mistakes and correct them. Others think that there might be simpler solutions locked in our history. in fact, I agree with the second option. In chapter 11 (p.457) is spoke of the Pastoral Peoples, specifically the Mongols. They were a nation that was in tune with nature and made decisions based on the positive potential of using the resources of the land or moving on to allow for regrowing and sustainability for the future. The largest Empire that the world has seen spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean. Which prevented the least carbon footprint in history by limiting population due to mobility, minimized metal forging (reusing conquered weapons), minimized metal working (strip mining), and smaller mobile huts (tents) to adequately use surrounding resources for villages.

https://en.delfi.lt/politics/people-states-should-fight-global-warming-lithuanian-environment-minister-in-paris-climate-event.d?id=76627733

 Chapter 23

In what way(s) do you see the historical developments described in this chapter continuing to evolve in our world today?

* Globalization - Economy

As mentioned in the previous chapter, the restructuring of national alliances has begun to shift. nations arise from the shadows of others and or rise from the ashes of former nations demanding o be seen and heard in the global market. The unification of a global market has borne a World Bank and a supporting International Money Fund to guide all nations in commerce and economy.

* International Commerce - Bento Box Concept (Oil Tankers & Container Shipping)

Small nations that can not complete with the military or population numbers against world powers now have importance with their own resources (elemental, oil, and/or agriculture strength). International Trade is now the battleground for the survival of a nation. Having a climate monopoly in agriculture can fuel a smaller nation to have the corner of the market in agriculture or production. The days of the ruling are over, it is the age of high-speed internet trading and e-commerce. 

* Modern Environmentalism

Technology has now allowed all nations to look back on developments and begin to map out mistakes and new possibilities to restore the planet's environment. Advancements in science have proof that our former ways of development have caused damage to the world and is taking us to the breaking point of maximum survival levels. The world has grown from 2.3 billion after WWII to now 7.8 billion inhabitants. A growth spurt of that magnitude has damage, irrevocable environmental damage. Our very own existence is at foot. nations that have the resources to research and make change MUST do so. Nations that can change their agricultural, mining, and manufacturing MUST also change. The future for us all is now at stake.

https://www.mastercardbiz.com/caribbean/2019/11/27/the-challenges-and-opportunities-of-global-e-commerce/

 Chapter 22

In what way(s) do you see the historical developments described in this chapter continuing to evolve in our world today?

* Fall of Old World Concepts - Colonialism

During the early 1900s, nations that were colonies began to see themselves as emerging powers. Regardless of the size of that power, a change of government was beginning to be called by the people, for the people. From the Haitian revolution that started the fight for separation until this point, governed lands wanted to begin there own paths.

* Independence & Protests

The voice of the people began to b louder and louder. To a point that protesting took to the streets, to the capitol buildings, and to the global news. Living in the shadow of a former Conquerer was no longer a must-do, but a choice. Education took center stage and the more that people learned of what potential power they have, the stronger the need to not live in someone else's shadow grew. Growth and knowledge of one's own country began to fuel new ideas, protesting, and revolution. Countries now knew their own self-worth. Globalization with economies was growing daily and the need to become an individual was stronger yet.

* New  Alliances

New nations and borders began to emerge, distinction from one another became clearer as every day passed. COuntries divided into viewpoints but some realized that economics would still allow them to work with one another while still maintaining individualism. Smaller nations also realized that working in groups with same mindset brought economic strength in numbers. Harvesting of one's own resources and providing commerce further divided the global map as we knew it at that time.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Flag-map_of_the_world_%281970%29.png/800px-Flag-map_of_the_world_%281970%29.png

 Chapter 21   

The global significance of the world was new allies and enemies. Mind you that these enemies were now more so of economies and how they spread the wealth and freedom of their people amongst these new borders.

The previous regimes (Nazi and Fascism) began to expand the mindset of all countries. To find alternative ways of governing without having to go to the previous extreme. Revolutions of the commoner erupted in Russia, China, and other nations demanding more equality and fairness for all. The former European nations of influence were shattered and had to rebuild. Nations such as Russia and the United States became enormous industrial machines out producing almost all countries causing there to be differences in government and how the wealth is distributed amongst the people.

Revolution and after revolution divided the world into three major groups: Democratic, Communist, and Socialist. These differences also brought additional division amongst the three. Neighboring nations began to work with one another to form even larger blocs of global influence. Western Europe formed one, Soviet Union, and China formed another and the bulk of the Americas formed another.

Such changes redrew the friend borders and drew in the concept of warfare from a distance; nuclear warfare.

 Chapter 20

Some of the disasters that befell Europe in the first half of the century were border shifting of countries (mobilization to flee the wars), slow-paced drawn-out warfare, industrial weapons arms race, and massive loss of life in the millions from multiple countries in a short period of time (a few years). Nations were so used to being neighbors that when war came, the general idea was heart-wrenching to be killing neighbors and even your own people for their political views and choices. A change in gender responsibilities fell on women, having to not only take care of the home, children but also become the backbone of industries to build and provide support to the millions of men at war. Trust was destroyed among nations and people, isolation and fear took over and complete shutdown of communication between individuals in case information can be used against each other.

 Response to Tony Orpeza's #9

Tony Orpeza's Question & Answer

9.  The image I chose to write about is the one depicting Britain's enormous amount of greed on page 790. I think Strayer chose this particular cartoon because of the volumes of truth it actually speaks. At a time where the world could have been created in a peaceful, equal manner, a country like Britain did everything they absolutely could to extend their power and reach among other civilizations. An example is Britain being defeated in the American Revolution only to go back and try to start an opium war with China. The hand above Egypt, shows me that Britain indeed was plotting a scheme to get a piece of Egypt along with the other countries it has its hands on. I personally do not like this image, but I felt like I could relate to it. Today in America it seems that we owe so many countries so much money. This picture for some reason reminded me of today. The difference is that global bankers and elite families with mass amounts of money are now the "Britain Octopus" with their hands in EVERYTHING. From banking to oil to food supply, the same elite families are tied to vital industries. I suggest doing research on families like the Rothchilds and the Rockefellers to see their impact and their monopolization of the world, not just the United States.

My Response

Tony, the image and topic you choose describes the reach of colonial power perfectly! The meddling hands of England in 10 different countries and about to take the eleventh one shows the vast wealth and control that England hand in its former colonies. England waited for the longest to relinquish its hold of power in these nations. All the resources and labor forces grew England into being a world power. Even though today, Englands wealth comes from its own financial earnings, even in the last 20 years, Hong Kong, the last of England's colonial strongholds had to relinquish ownership to China. From one megalodon to another.