9.6 Globalized Culture After 1900
Welcome to one of the most relatable chapters in AP World History! Have you ever noticed that people in different countries often wear the same brands, listen to the same types of music, and use the same apps? This isn't a coincidence—it is the result of globalized culture. In this chapter, we will explore how culture moved from being local and isolated to becoming a shared global experience after 1900.
What is Globalized Culture?
In the past, culture (your food, music, and clothing) was mostly determined by where you lived. Because of the technological advances we studied in Topic 9.1, those geographic borders have largely disappeared. Today, we live in a "global village" where ideas and styles spread across the world in seconds. This process is driven by increased interactions between people of different nations.
The Drivers of Global Culture
Why did culture suddenly become so global after 1900? There are three main reasons:
- Technology: The invention of the radio, television, and eventually the internet allowed culture to be broadcasted to millions of people simultaneously.
- Economic Links: As we saw in Topic 9.4, the world became more economically connected. International trade makes it easy for products from one country to become popular in another.
- Social Media: In the most recent decades, social media platforms have allowed individuals (not just big companies) to share their local culture with a global audience.
Quick Tip: Think of technology as the "highway" and culture as the "car." Without the highway (internet/TV), the car (culture) couldn't travel very far!
Global Consumer Culture
One of the biggest parts of globalized culture is consumerism. This is the idea that our identities are often shaped by the things we buy and the brands we support. Because of globalization, certain companies have become household names on every continent.
Global Brands to Know
The syllabus highlights specific examples of multinational corporations that have contributed to a globalized consumer culture:
- Nestle: A Swiss company that provides food and drink products found in almost every country on Earth.
- Nissan: A Japanese car manufacturer that reflects how industrial production and brand loyalty have gone global.
- Mahindra and Mahindra: An Indian multinational company that shows how globalization isn't just "Western" companies spreading—it involves companies from all over the world, including emerging economies.
Did you know? When you see a Nissan car in the United States or eat a Nestle chocolate bar in India, you are participating in globalized culture! These brands create a shared experience for people who live thousands of miles apart.
Popular Culture Goes Global
Popular culture (or "pop culture") includes music, movies, and sports. After 1900, these became some of the most powerful ways to connect the world.
Music and Movies
Before the 1900s, you usually only heard music performed live in your community. With the rise of recording technology and streaming, a song recorded in a studio in Seoul or London can be #1 on the charts in Brazil the next day. Similarly, the film industry (like Hollywood and other global film hubs) creates stories that people all over the world watch and discuss.
Global Sports
Sports have become a "universal language." Events like the World Cup and the Olympics draw billions of viewers. These events are not just about games; they are cultural moments where the entire world focuses on the same event at the same time.
Key Takeaway: Globalized culture has made the world feel smaller. While this allows us to share amazing ideas and products, it also leads to debates about whether we are losing local traditions in favor of a "one-size-fits-all" global culture (which we will discuss more in Topic 9.7).
Summary Checklist for Topic 9.6
- Definition: Understand that globalized culture is the spread of ideas, values, and objects across national borders.
- Technology: Remember that radio, TV, and the internet are the primary tools that made this possible.
- Consumerism: Be able to explain how brands like Nestle, Nissan, and Mahindra and Mahindra represent a globalized economy and culture.
- Sports/Arts: Recognize that global sports and entertainment create a shared global identity.
Don't worry if this seems like a lot! Just remember that 9.6 is all about diffusion—the spreading of culture through the "pipes" of technology and trade that were built during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Cross-Reference: For more on the technology that started this, see Topic 9.1. To see how people reacted against this global culture, head over to Topic 9.7.