How is the World Connected into a Global Economy?
The world is connected into a global economy by a number of factors and for a variety of reasons. The term globalization is often used to discuss this connectivity. In a global economy, countries integrate characteristics of other economies into their own and become increasingly dependent on one another for economic growth. The global economy began in the 1800s when humans began to use mineral resources instead of plants as the primary source of energy and raw materials. Before 1800, plants and animals were the primary source for food, labor, fuel and fibers. Since the usage of energy was defined by how much could be grown at one time, it greatly constrained production and energy flow. Once mineral resources began being used, these limits on energy were lifted. There was a seemingly limitless amount to be drawn from the Earth itself. This energy was more efficient and had plenty of room for expansion into new technologies. At first, it was also cheaper to use. This seemed to be a compl
