How Technology Changed the World in the 20th Century

In the 20th century, new technology sped up globalization. This changed how we do business, share cultures, and connect with each other around the globe. Let’s look at some key advancements that made this happen.

1. Transportation:

   • The rise of commercial flying changed how we travel. By 1960, about 200 million people flew each year. That’s a huge jump from just 20 million in 1950!
   • Container shipping started in the 1950s. It made sending goods easier and cheaper. These big ships can carry way more cargo—up to 1,000% more—than older ships.

2. Communication:

   • When the telephone was invented, it changed how we talked to each other. Later, the internet came along, which was a game-changer! By the year 2000, over 360 million people were using the internet, and this number grew to about 4.9 billion by 2021.
   • Satellites also changed communication. The first communication satellite, Telstar, launched in 1962, made it possible to broadcast live shows across different countries.

3. Economy:

   • Thanks to technology, global trade skyrocketed. In 1950, trade was about 25% of the world’s economy, and by 2019, it soared to over 60%!
   • Tech helped big companies work better around the world. By 2007, international investments from these companies hit nearly $15 trillion. That shows how far they reached!

4. Cultural Exchange:

   • New ways to share information, like TV and the internet, helped cultures mix together. In 1950, only about 9% of American homes had a TV, but that jumped to over 90% by the 1970s!
   • Global brands like McDonald's sprouted up everywhere. By 2021, they had over 38,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries, showing how shared consumer culture became.

In summary, the technology breakthroughs of the 20th century pushed globalization forward. They changed our economies, cultures, and the way we connect, making the world feel smaller and more connected.