Question

Describe the technological changes in World Economy in 19${}^{th}$ Century.

Answer 1

Between 1870 and 1900, European imperialism increased tremendously. A major factor that influenced colonization was competition between different countries. In a quest for greater wealth, countries, such as Britain, sought colonies in Africa and Asia that would provide ports and perhaps even offer material resources. Many of the colonies could offer material resources, such as oil, tin, gold, and diamonds. Some of the immediate results included growing slums, increased population densities and increased crime. Many families, now deprived of their livelihoods, decided to start anew and a migration of immigrants began to the New World, a land of opportunity. There were two technological innovations that profoundly changed daily life in the 19th century. They were both “motive powers”: steam and electricity. During this same period, advances in chemistry spawned dozens of new disciplines. Photography was developed and was used to capture the new horror of war for the general populace for the first time. Gunpowder gave way to nitroglycerin and eventually to dynamite. Construction projects began on scales that would have been impossible before. Developments in chemistry also hastened advances in the medical sciences. In the latter part of the century, experiments in controlled flight laid the groundwork for additional advances in transportation (and war again).