The first four chapters of the book served as a gateway to the rest of the book, which is focused on the years from 1875 to 1914. The first two chapters focus on the effect of the two great revolutions, french and American, and the developments taking place in the more advanced nations. In the second chapter, the author discusses the economic changes and the importance of these changes for the world, including the depression in 1870s and the decline of the British monopolistic trade. The third chapter focuses on the imperialistic control of the world by the core countries, the biggest economies. In the fourth chapter, Hobsbawm goes into the beginnings of the global democratization and the complications with it as a newly introduced system.
It is interesting to see through these four chapters how the new shape of imperialism, technological advancements, economical changes, and democratization seemed to be bringing the world together, closer than ever before, yet, as we can see from further history, it has clearly divided the world into core and the periphery for years to come. The question for me, then, is whether there will ever be a world, united under the same values, beliefs, and perhaps more importantly, economic opportunities.
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That is an interesting question to ponder. I think that it is unlikely that there will be a world united under the same values and economic opportunities. I think there will always be dominant and dependent nations in competition for resources and power. Also, differences in culture and especially religion would be a major factor in preventing unified beliefs.
ReplyDeleteSergey, that is an interesting question. I agree with Rachel that it is unlikely that the world will have a unified value system and similar economic prospects. I think, due to the nature of humanity coupled with discrepencies in technological, governmental and economical advancements, there will always be "core" nations and dependent nations. Of course, these identities are fluid and like we've read so far, certain aspects can shift a nations position in the world. Aside from this, the cultures, religions, beliefs, etc., are just so vast in the world, that the idea of a unified beliefs seems to remain an idea rather than a possible eventuality.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once told me that the only way the world would ever be unified would be if we were in a position where we would have to defend ourselves against extra-terrestrials. It sounds crazy but if you think about it, it's true. I agree with these ladies- I don't think unification will ever happen which is sad.
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