A World Economy Takes Shape
The formation of the global economy in the nineteenth century marked a transformative period characterized by complex interactions between agriculture, labor, and transportation. In Britain, the traditional preference for self-sufficient food production shifted under the strain of increased population and urbanization, leading to the repeal of the Corn Laws.
As food became more accessible through imports, a vast network of agricultural production emerged globally, impacting labor migration patterns across continents such as Europe, America, and Asia. Railways and ports were developed to facilitate this exchange, which severely influenced local economies and intensified intercontinental flows of goods.
Through exploring the dimension of labor migration, the section underscores how technological progress, colonial strategies, and the movement of people played pivotal roles in shaping a world increasingly interconnected. By the late nineteenth century, these dynamics established a global agricultural economy that redefined economic landscapes and labor practices, making connections that would lay the groundwork for modern globalization.