AP World History: Modern
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9.1 Advances in Technology and Exchange after 1900
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🌍ap world history: modern review
9.1 Advances in Technology and Exchange after 1900
Verified for the 2025 AP World History: Modern exam•Citation:MLA
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen dramatic technological changes that reshaped human life. From communication and transportation to agriculture and healthcare, innovation has transformed how people interact, produce, and survive. These advancements fueled globalization, improved living standards, and redefined relationships between humans and their environment—though they also introduced new inequalities and environmental concerns.
Communication Technology and the Acceleration of Globalization
New technologies drastically reduced the barrier of geographic distance, allowing people and ideas to move more freely than ever before.
Key Innovations in Communication:
- Radio and television broadcasting allowed for real-time mass communication.
- Telephones, later followed by cell phones, made voice communication global.
- The Internet revolutionized information sharing and commerce.
- Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook facilitated grassroots activism and cultural exchange.
| Technology | Impact |
|---|---|
| Radio | Connected people across vast regions; propaganda tool |
| Cell phones | Enabled instant communication across the globe |
| Internet | Facilitated digital globalization and e-commerce |
| Social media | Empowered political movements and cultural diffusion |
⭐ Globalization became possible not just through technology but also through people's ability to share ideas, organize across borders, and maintain long-distance ties in real time.
Transportation Technologies and Increased Mobility
Transportation advances allowed people and goods to move faster and farther than ever before.
- The airplane drastically reduced travel time between continents.
- The container ship revolutionized cargo transport, lowering costs and boosting global trade.
- Automobiles, trains, and public transit systems reshaped urban life and economic networks.
By mid-century, air travel replaced ocean liners as the primary mode of international travel, while containerization made it possible to trade goods across oceans efficiently and at scale.
Social Media and Grassroots Mobilization
The rise of social media transformed political activism and communication.
- The Arab Spring (2010–2012) saw mass protests across the Middle East, many of which were organized and broadcasted via platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Social media facilitated global solidarity movements, including Black Lives Matter, by amplifying local events to an international audience.
⭐ Platforms like Facebook and Twitter democratized media, enabling everyday citizens—not just governments or news agencies—to shape public narratives.
Agricultural Innovation: The Green Revolution
In the mid-20th century, the Green Revolution dramatically increased food production, especially in the developing world.
Key Features:
- Introduction of synthetic fertilizers (especially nitrogen-based)
- Irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems
- High-yield crop varieties (HYVs) for staples like wheat and rice
- Widespread use of chemical pesticides
| Innovation | Result |
|---|---|
| High-yield crops | Greater food output on less land |
| Synthetic fertilizers | Boosted soil productivity |
| Mechanized irrigation | Enabled farming in arid regions |
| GMO development | Increased disease and drought resistance |
Although it helped alleviate famine in India, Mexico, and parts of Africa, the Green Revolution also raised concerns about environmental sustainability and dependency on multinational agribusinesses.
⭐ Norman Borlaug, known as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for helping reduce world hunger.
Biotechnology and Medical Innovation
Scientific breakthroughs in medicine have extended human life, reduced infant mortality, and transformed healthcare globally.
Key Innovations:
- Vaccines reduced the spread of deadly diseases (e.g., smallpox eradication).
- Antibiotics, like penicillin, revolutionized the treatment of infections.
- Organ transplants and imaging technologies (e.g., MRIs) improved survival rates.
- Biotechnology, including gene therapy and diagnostics, continues to evolve.
Reproductive Health and Demographic Change
One of the most significant societal shifts since 1900 has been the transformation of women’s reproductive rights and health.
- Birth control methods—such as oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs)—gave women unprecedented control over their fertility.
- NGOs and international agencies worked to expand access to family planning, especially in Less Developed Countries (LDCs).
Demographic Effects:
- Total Fertility Rates (TFR) declined, especially in More Developed Countries (MDCs).
- Some countries, like Germany and Japan, are now experiencing population decline and aging populations.
- This demographic shift poses long-term economic and social challenges, including labor shortages and increased healthcare costs.
| Region | TFR Trend | Major Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | Sharp decline | Access to contraception, education |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Slower decline | Limited healthcare access |
| East Asia | Decline, now aging | Government policy + cultural shifts |
⭐ The demographic consequences of contraceptive access are still unfolding. Lower fertility has empowered women, but it also challenges economic systems reliant on population growth.
Key Terms to Review (34)
Abortion: Abortion refers to the medical procedure that ends a pregnancy, resulting in the removal of an embryo or fetus before it can survive outside the uterus. This term has significant implications in discussions surrounding women's rights, healthcare access, and social and political debates, especially as advancements in medical technology have changed how abortions are performed and accessed over time.
Agricultural Technology: Agricultural technology encompasses the tools, techniques, and systems used to enhance agricultural production, improve efficiency, and increase crop yields. This includes advancements such as machinery, biotechnology, irrigation methods, and information technology that have transformed farming practices and contributed to food security and sustainability in the modern world.
Airplane: An airplane is a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a weight greater than that of the air it displaces. This innovation revolutionized transportation, enabling rapid movement of people and goods over long distances and significantly impacting global conflict by changing military strategies and warfare.
Arab Spring: The Arab Spring refers to a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that swept across much of the Arab world beginning in late 2010 and continuing into 2012. Sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with authoritarian regimes, corruption, and economic hardships, this movement highlighted the role of social media and technology in mobilizing and spreading revolutionary ideas.
Biotechnology: Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products and technologies that improve human life and the environment. This field has expanded significantly since the 20th century, contributing to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and industry through genetic engineering, molecular biology, and bioprocessing.
Black Lives Matter Organization: The Black Lives Matter Organization is a decentralized movement advocating for the rights and lives of Black individuals, emphasizing the need to address systemic racism, police violence, and social injustice. Founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the organization utilizes social media and grassroots activism to mobilize support and raise awareness about racial inequality.
Cellular Phone: A cellular phone, often referred to as a mobile phone, is a portable electronic device that enables users to make and receive calls, send text messages, and access various applications through wireless communication networks. The development and widespread adoption of cellular phones represent a major advancement in technology and have transformed how people communicate and exchange information globally.
Communication Technology: Communication technology refers to the various tools, devices, and systems that facilitate the transmission and reception of information across distances. This includes advancements such as telegraphs, telephones, radio, television, and the internet, which have transformed how people connect and share information globally. As communication technology evolved, it played a crucial role in shaping economies, cultures, and societies throughout history.
Contraception: Contraception refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during or following sexual intercourse. The advancements in contraception after 1900 have significantly impacted societal norms, family planning, and public health by giving individuals more control over reproduction, leading to greater gender equality and changing family structures.
Evangelical Right: The Evangelical Right is a political and social movement in the United States that seeks to promote and uphold conservative Christian values, often aligning with right-wing politics. This movement has played a significant role in shaping political discourse, especially regarding issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom, particularly after 1900 as advances in technology and communication facilitated the spread of its influence.
Facebook: Facebook is a social networking service launched in 2004 that allows users to connect, share content, and communicate with one another through personal profiles, pages, and groups. It revolutionized how people interact online, significantly impacting social connections and information exchange in the modern world.
Globalization: Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, driven by advances in technology, trade, and cultural exchange. It has transformed economies, politics, and cultures around the world, creating both opportunities and challenges for societies as they adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
GMOs: GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are living organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits such as resistance to pests, improved nutritional content, or faster growth rates. This manipulation of DNA connects with advances in technology and exchange after 1900 by revolutionizing agricultural practices, influencing global food systems, and raising discussions around food safety and environmental sustainability.
Green Revolution: The Green Revolution refers to a series of technological advancements in agriculture that occurred between the 1940s and the late 1960s, aimed at increasing food production worldwide, especially in developing countries. This movement introduced high-yielding varieties of crops, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced irrigation techniques, significantly transforming agricultural practices and improving food security.
High-yield Crops: High-yield crops are specially bred or genetically modified plant varieties designed to produce significantly greater quantities of food per unit of land compared to traditional varieties. This innovation in agriculture emerged during the 20th century, aligning with advances in technology and agricultural practices, which aimed to meet the growing global demand for food due to population growth and urbanization.
Instagram: Instagram is a social media platform focused on sharing photos and videos, allowing users to interact through likes, comments, and direct messages. Launched in 2010, it became a significant player in the rise of visual culture and has transformed communication, marketing, and personal branding in the modern era.
Irrigation Methods: Irrigation methods are techniques used to supply water to crops and agricultural land to enhance productivity and ensure consistent yields. These methods have evolved over time, reflecting advancements in technology and the need for efficient water management in agriculture, particularly as populations grew and agricultural practices intensified in the modern era.
IPhone XR: The iPhone XR is a smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc., released in October 2018. It features advanced technology such as a Liquid Retina display, A12 Bionic chip, and a single-lens rear camera, making it a popular choice among consumers looking for a balance of performance and affordability. The iPhone XR represents a significant advancement in mobile technology, contributing to the rapid evolution of communication devices and the broader landscape of technology and exchange in the modern era.
Landline Phones: Landline phones are traditional telephone devices that connect to a public switched telephone network via a physical wire or fiber optic cable. They played a crucial role in communication, enabling voice transmission over long distances and serving as a fundamental means of connecting households and businesses before the widespread adoption of mobile technology.
Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs): Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs) are nations that exhibit lower levels of socio-economic development, characterized by limited industrialization, lower income levels, and often a reliance on agriculture. These countries frequently face challenges such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and political instability. The technological advances and global exchanges after 1900 have significantly impacted LDCs, as they have struggled to keep pace with more developed nations in harnessing these innovations for economic growth.
More Developed Countries (MDCs): More Developed Countries (MDCs) are nations that exhibit advanced levels of industrialization, high standards of living, and robust economic stability. These countries typically have well-established infrastructures, access to technology, and a high Human Development Index (HDI), which measures factors like education, health, and income. The characteristics of MDCs highlight significant advances in technology and exchange, particularly after 1900, as these nations often lead global innovation and trade.
Natural Increase Rate (NIR): Natural Increase Rate (NIR) is the difference between the number of live births and the number of deaths in a population over a specific period, typically expressed as a percentage of the total population. It serves as a key indicator of population growth, reflecting the balance between births and deaths while excluding migration factors. Advances in technology and improved healthcare after 1900 significantly influenced NIR by reducing mortality rates and increasing life expectancy, ultimately leading to rapid population growth in many regions.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are independent, non-profit organizations that operate separately from government control and often aim to address social, political, environmental, or humanitarian issues. They play a vital role in global development by providing services, advocating for change, and mobilizing resources, especially as advances in technology have facilitated their communication and coordination on a global scale.
Norman Bourlag: Norman Borlaug was an American agronomist and humanitarian, often referred to as the 'Father of the Green Revolution.' He played a pivotal role in developing high-yielding varieties of crops, particularly wheat, that significantly boosted agricultural production in the mid-20th century. His work is closely tied to advances in technology and exchange after 1900, as his innovations helped to address global food security and combat famine in developing countries.
Oral Contraception: Oral contraception refers to the use of hormonal pills taken by women to prevent pregnancy. This method of birth control became widely available in the 20th century, revolutionizing reproductive health and empowering women with greater control over their bodies and family planning.
Reproductive Health: Reproductive health refers to the complete well-being in all aspects of reproduction, encompassing physical, mental, and social factors. It involves access to safe and effective family planning methods, maternal healthcare, education about sexual health, and the prevention and treatment of reproductive health issues. Advances in technology after 1900 played a crucial role in improving reproductive health outcomes, allowing for better healthcare access and more effective medical interventions.
Social Media: Social media refers to digital platforms and tools that facilitate the creation, sharing, and exchange of content among users. It has transformed communication by enabling instantaneous connection across the globe, influencing both personal interactions and larger societal trends. As a result, social media plays a crucial role in shaping culture, politics, and economies in the modern world.
Synthetic Fertilizers: Synthetic fertilizers are chemically manufactured substances used to enhance plant growth by providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Their development and widespread use have transformed agricultural practices since the early 20th century, contributing significantly to increases in crop yields and changes in global food production systems.
Telegraph: The telegraph was a revolutionary communication device that allowed messages to be transmitted over long distances using electrical signals. It transformed communication in the 19th century, greatly enhancing the speed and efficiency of information exchange, which in turn influenced various aspects of society, economy, and technology.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic measure that estimates the average number of children a woman would have during her reproductive years, typically defined as ages 15 to 49, assuming she experiences the exact current age-specific fertility rates through her lifetime. This measure is crucial for understanding population growth, decline, and demographic changes, especially in relation to technological advancements and shifts in social norms that influence reproductive behavior.
Travel Technology: Travel technology refers to the innovations and tools that enhance the planning, booking, and experience of travel. This includes advancements like online booking platforms, mobile apps, GPS navigation, and various digital communication tools that facilitate seamless travel experiences. As the world became more interconnected after 1900, travel technology played a critical role in making travel more accessible and efficient, thus influencing global exchange and commerce.
Twitter: Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to post and interact with short messages called 'tweets', which can include text, images, videos, and links. Since its launch in 2006, Twitter has transformed communication and information sharing, significantly impacting how people engage in discussions, organize movements, and disseminate news.
USAID: USAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, is a U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961, USAID aims to promote economic development, improve social conditions, and enhance governance in developing countries, thereby reflecting a commitment to global humanitarian efforts and fostering stability in regions of strategic interest.
Women’s Health: Women’s health refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health issues specific to women. This includes reproductive health, maternal health, and gender-specific diseases, all of which have evolved significantly due to advances in technology and increased access to healthcare resources in the modern era.