Extended 20th Century Overview ± 25 Years
Period 1870–1913 1914–1950 1950–1973 1974–Present
Era The End of Cosmopolitanism Great Depression The Golden Age Global Capitalism
Monetary System Gold Standard Failed Attempt to Return to Gold Standard; Market Rigidities; Lack of International Collaboration Adjustable Exchange Rate Crisis; Stagnation
Exchange Rate Fixed Exchange Rates Floating Exchange Rates
Geographical Focus Europe (UK), America; Colonies: Africa, South America Russia (New Economic and Political Order) USA, Japan China (Asia); European Union; Fall of USSR
Growth Rate (%) 1.4 0.9 3.0 1.6
Key Characteristics Market Stability Leading to Increased Trade
Transition from Coal (Steam Engine) to Electricity and Oil (Internal Combustion Engine)
Advancements in Telecommunications
Rise of Large Corporations and Transnational Sectors
Significant Migration
1929 Economic Crisis
Rise of Protectionism
Reduction in Global Trade
Establishment of Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF, GATT, World Bank)
Initiatives for International Collaboration
The Trilemma: Democracy, Globalization, National Sovereignty
Outsourcing and Rise of Transnational Firms
Complex Global Value Chains
Technological Advancements, Internet Proliferation