Choose one product or object that you encounter in your everyday life and discuss how its history has

Question

been shaped by globalisation. Think of any familiar fashion, food, technology, or cultural except smartphones. and write an essay of 600 words using chicago referencing style

To help you answer this question, follow these steps.
1) Understand Globalisation as a historical force.
2) Choose a product you use every day.
3) Explore the history of your chosen product.
4) Connect your chosen product to your historical understanding of globalisation.

Answer 1

Title: The Ubiquitous Influence of Coffee in the Globalized World

Introduction:
Globalization has had a profound impact on various aspects of our daily lives, extending far beyond the realms of technology and communication. This essay will delve into the global history and transformative journey of coffee, an everyday product that has become an emblem of cultural exchange, economic trade, and sociopolitical implications worldwide. From its humble beginnings as an indigenous drink to its current status as a globally consumed beverage, coffee epitomizes the influential and interconnected nature of globalization.

1) Understanding Globalization as a Historical Force:
Globalization can be viewed as the interconnectivity and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale. It is characterized by the movement of goods, ideas, and people across borders, facilitated by advancements in transportation, communication, and trade. This historical force has accelerated economic growth, cultural diffusion, and interdependence among nations, reshaping societies and shaping the trajectory of various products.

2) The Chosen Product: Coffee:
Coffee, a morning ritual for many, serves as an ideal example of a product that has been shaped by globalization. It is a beverage that transcends borders, cultures, and economic systems, creating an intricate web of production, distribution, and consumption.

3) Exploring the History of Coffee:
Originating from Ethiopia in the 9th century, coffee was initially consumed in the form of a roasted cherry infusion. It gradually spread across the Arabian Peninsula, gaining popularity in Islamic societies as a stimulating drink. After establishing itself in the Middle East, coffee was introduced to Europe through trade routes during the 16th century, particularly through the influence of the Ottoman Empire.

Coffeehouses emerged as centers of intellectual and social exchange in Europe, providing a space for philosophical, political, and cultural discussions. As the demand for coffee grew, European colonial powers sought to expand its cultivation to their colonies. Consequently, coffee cultivation and trade took root in regions such as Java, Brazil, and the Caribbean. The coffee industry became increasingly intertwined with slavery and exploitation, as colonial powers monopolized production and profited from the labor of enslaved individuals.

4) Connection to the Historical Understanding of Globalization:
The globalization of coffee mirrored the economic, social, and political dynamics of colonial expansion and trade. As European powers colonized new territories, they disseminated their coffee cultivation practices, shaping new landscapes and labor systems. This intercontinental trade of coffee exemplifies the globalized economic relationships established during colonialism.

Furthermore, coffee served as a catalyst for cultural exchange. European coffeehouses facilitated the diffusion of ideas and the formation of intellectual networks, fueling the Enlightenment and eventually contributing to the spread of democratic ideals. Coffee became intertwined with artistic movements, literature, and revolutions, symbolizing cosmopolitanism and progressive thinking.

The globalization of coffee also gave rise to multinational corporations and global commodity markets. Coffee became a vital export, generating immense wealth for those involved in its cultivation and distribution. The establishment of global coffee exchanges and the emergence of transnational corporations in the late 19th century solidified the economic significance of coffee in the international market.

Conclusion:
The history of coffee illuminates how globalization drives the evolution of consumer products and creates networks of influence, power, and exploitation. From its ancient beginnings in Ethiopia to its modern manifestation as a globally consumed beverage, coffee has been both a beneficiary and instigator of globalized processes. Its journey highlights the entanglement of diverse societies, the impact of colonialism, and the socio-cultural exchange enabled by globalization. Understanding coffee's history provides insight into the profound historical forces that have shaped our everyday lives, illustrating the complexity and interconnectedness of our globalized world.

References:
McMichael, P. (2016). Food and agriculture: The globalizing commodity chain approach. In Food Regimes and Agrarian Questions (2nd ed., pp. 95-135). Fernwood Publishing.
Pendergrast, M. (2010). Uncommon grounds: The history of coffee and how it transformed our world. Basic Books.
Norton, M. (2006). Sacred gifts, profane pleasures: A history of tobacco and chocolate in the Atlantic world. Cornell University Press.