Author: Arsenia Georgopoulos

The hype of the Qing dynasty created a massive hierarchal imbalance of powers between the Japanese and the Chinese. Eventually. however, the dynasty begins to fall and Japan is on a rise to power in Asia (1868). One important theme that is highlighted during this time period is the role of women in this society. Japanese men feel the need to modernize these women but at the expense of them still learning enough to be good mothers. So everything created for these women is somewhat superficial, even though these women have a lot more freedom, for example, women now lead tea groups, they are still at a loss for their autonomy because everything they do is controlled by men. The rebellious acts they then claimed, really gave some of these women back their autonomy. For example, a massive rebellion (Beijing rebellion) that set these women apart, or women like Qui Jin. And although things were getting better, they were also getting worse, because of the objectification of these women. From today reading one of the women, Mo Guokang faces the trials and tribulations of the comfort women who are being sent to army men to destress. So, again, we see the role of women and trials and tribulations that they face as a struggle between claiming their autonomy but also losing it at the same time.

The civil war was a vicious battle fought from 1861-1865. We uncover the truth of this war as an emancipation from the grandfathered grievances and hardships of slavery, and its importance and stance on the physical vessel and its limits. Of course, the purpose of this war was a well-fought battle and well deserved, but we hardly think of the impact of wars on other countries in the grand scheme of things. Colonialism in this time period brought about animosities and conflict within all states across the nation (Kramer), but it is often forgotten that the main cash crop produced was exchanged for a profit—this cash crop, cotton. As it was mentioned in class, with India being such a major shareholder in the productivity and sales of cotton, the influx of cotton mills during this time caused a mass migration to occur to relatively isolated areas of the country. This migration resulted in India gaining some sort of financial independence. It was also a critical time for them because they were amongst a battle with the British Empire and gaining their freedom of independence, and now with the sales of cotton, meaning financial gains and influx in the population, they were now closer than they were before, to gain their independence from the British. I think it’s important to make the connection between country wars and its effects on other countries in the grand scheme of things because this is often overshadowed when history is taught.

An important theme highlighted from Monday’s lecture the industrialization of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the early 19^th century. Professor Holt mentioned that the emancipation of slavery during this time lead to a need for labor in the production of goods. In anticipation for cheap labor, migrants in large numbers fled to the city in hopes of finding new opportunities. This influx in the population leads to the industrialization of this major import hub, particularly famous for their coffee exports, a major economic contributor to the ever-growing city. Thus, with the end of the transatlantic slave trade treaty, the city paid in full for European immigrants to work these coffee farms. Prof Holtz mentions a correlation between the increase in population post this industrialization, and the increase in poverty associated with this factor. I find it interesting that Mexico’s period of industrialization follows these same trends, highlighted in this weeks reading, “The Export Boom as Modernity” (pgs. 84-87). In some form or other, politics, either dirty or clean, paved the way for a new life in these countries. One decision of power influenced heavily by money, swayed another power to ultimately change the trajectory of the country’s values and environment. I also find it interesting to note both the influence and power of money found within the confinements of de Janeiro and Mexico, decreased the margins ten-fold for “true democracy” – democracy held within its people. This unwavering dynamic, with the help from technological advancements, shows us that someone richer, and more powerful, outperforms the less fortunate and sooner or later the country undergoes drastic changes (i.e. import/exports of goods). This power dynamic shifting from an influence of money is also found at the center of the Battle of Adwa, between the Ethiopians and the Italians of the late 18^th century to early 19^th century. Yet again, we see the need for a European country, one with more power and wealth, to impede on the demographics and politics of another less powerful and poorer. In sum, I agree with the idea of industrialization being the main driving force for the drastic changes found within these cities, however in addition to this, I believe the influence of politics, which in turn is influenced by money, really gave the citizens no choice on whether or not the change was one they needed for good. The change happened all around them (Africa, Brazil, Mexico), and the citizens did not have any say in these matters.

Throughout the centuries a rapid increase in technological advancements has brought about the separation of classes and wealth. This surplus of profits then became generational leading to a separation between cultures. However, the power of technology is heald within the power of education, which is held within the power of wealth. As time went on, and manufacturing costs decreased, the lower class now had access to this education as a result of this global entanglement.  This notion is even more prevalent in the 21st century. This access to technology leads to the access of education, bringing together this interconnectedness that we see today, in our globalized society, for better or for worse.