Globalization is how different parts of the world are connected. People, ideas and goods move more easily around the world.

Question

Globalization also changes the way companies and countries trade with each other. This shows how globalization affects economies. Globalization has improved people's lives in poor countries. However, sometimes globalization doesn't bring new jobs or money to other countries.

Globalization In the Past

Globalization is not new. People have always traded goods with their neighbors. At one point, people began traveling to distant places. People traded their own goods for other products.

The Silk Road is an example of early globalization. The Silk Road was an old system of trade routes. The routes connected the continents of Europe and Asia. China is a country in Asia. The Silk Road was helpful because there were no trains then. Europeans traded products made of glass and other goods for Chinese silk and spices.

Later on, trade developed between Europe, Africa and America. Sadly, most of it involved slavery. This showed how globalization can truly hurt people. European ships carried products from Europe to Africa. In Africa, the products were traded for enslaved Africans. These enslaved Africans were then forced to go to the Americas. From the Americas, the ships carried raw materials like sugar, tobacco and cotton back to Europe. In Europe, the raw materials were used to make products. Then those products were brought back to Africa again. The cycle started over. This cycle was called the Triangular Trade.

Globalization has grown in recent years. It is easier to send money and products to other countries. It is simpler for companies to contact other countries. Countries signed agreements that make it all easier for them.

Benefits Of Globalization

Globalization gives large companies an advantage. Companies can get materials for less money in poorer countries. They can pay less money to workers in those countries.

Also, different parts of a product may be made in different countries. T-shirts made of cotton are one example. Cotton is a plant. It might be grown in one country. Then, in another country the T-shirt is woven from those pieces of cotton.

The result is more jobs in countries where jobs are needed. More jobs make people's lives more comfortable. People who buy the products are doing better, too. In general, globalization makes prices of goods lower. For example, globalization makes t-shirts cheaper.  Also, there are more goods for people to choose from.

Downsides

Not everything about globalization is good. Many jobs were moved to different countries. The people who had those jobs before were left without jobs.

In poorer countries, the working conditions of people are often very difficult. People there are paid very little for a whole month of work. A worker in the United States may get more money in one day than they do in a whole month. Also, children of poorer families may quit school so they can work.

Into The Future

Globalization is not perfect. However, globalization will continue. The result is a more connected world.

After reading this article answer the following:
What is it? Primary or secondary?
Tell me if it is valid why or why not?
Tell me if it is reliable why or why not?
Tell me if it is credible why or why not?

Then answer the blanks : I think it is an example of facts, opinions, or propaganda. (Choose one) I think this because____

Answer 1

Content Evaluation

1. What is it? Primary or secondary?

   • This article is a secondary source. It summarizes information about globalization and its historical context, rather than providing firsthand accounts or original research.

2. Is it valid? Why or why not?

   • The article is mostly valid as it presents a coherent overview of globalization, highlighting both its historical background and current implications. However, the depth of analysis may vary, and some nuances or counterarguments may be absent.

3. Is it reliable? Why or why not?

   • The reliability is somewhat moderate. It provides a general overview of globalization and its impacts. However, the lack of specific citations or references to data sources makes it difficult to ascertain its reliability fully.

4. Is it credible? Why or why not?

   • The article is primarily credible, as it discusses widely recognized facts about globalization and historical events like the Silk Road and the Triangular Trade. That said, the level of expertise of the author or the presence of expert sources could enhance its overall credibility.

Blank Filling

I think it is an example of facts. I think this because the article discusses historical events and trends related to globalization and provides information supported by historical context, despite the presence of some subjective interpretations.