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| The first wave of globalization, which took shape from the mid-19th century onwards, represents a period of radical transformation in the history of human interaction and international trade. This era can be characterized by three distinct phases: firstly, from 1850 to 1872, we witness a major upheaval in economic and social systems, with Europe, then at the height of its power, becoming the central pivot of dazzling economic growth and significant social advances. Subsequently, the period from 1873 to 1890 was marked by stagnation, with a deep crisis affecting both agriculture and industry, reflecting the limits and imbalances of economic development at the time. Finally, from 1890-95 until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, renewed economic growth coincided with the intensification of international tensions.
| | 第一波全球化浪潮从 19 世纪中叶开始形成，是人类交往和国际贸易史上的一个剧变 时期。这个时代可以分为三个不同的阶段：首先，从 1850 年到 1872 年，我们目睹了经济和社会制度的大变革，当时正处于鼎盛时期的欧洲成为经济增长和社会进步的中心枢纽。随后，从 1873 年到 1890 年，经济停滞不前，农业和工业都深陷危机，反映了当时经济发展的局限性和不平衡性。最后，从 1890-95 年到 1914 年第一次世界大战爆发，经济重新增长的同时，国际紧张局势加剧。 |
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| This era of early globalization was marked by unprecedented technological progress and innovation, which led to the gradual erosion of physical and economic frontiers, although market integration remained uneven. Europe, while at the center of this global dynamic, failed to maintain its unity, eventually collapsing in the fratricidal conflict of the Great War, while the United States began its ascent.
| | 这一早期全球化时代的特点是前所未有的技术进步和创新，这导致了有形边界和经济边界的逐渐削弱，尽管市场一体化仍不均衡。欧洲虽然是这一全球动态的中心，但未能保持团结，最终在大战的自相残杀中崩溃，而美国则开始崛起。 |
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| The liberalization of trade, illustrated by the retreat of protectionism, the expansion of the rail network and the revolution in maritime transport with steamboats, paved the way for an intensification of trade. The laying of transatlantic telegraph cables facilitated almost instantaneous communication, accelerating the pace of business and financial life, making the world more interconnected than ever. We delve into an analysis of this nascent globalization, its causes, development and consequences, exploring how technological innovations and the flow of people, money, goods and information have reshaped the world's economic and social landscape, setting the stage for the contemporary dynamics of our current globalization.
| | 贸易自由化体现在保护主义的退却、铁路网络的扩张以及蒸汽船带来的海上运输革命，这些都为贸易的加强铺平了道路。跨大西洋电报电缆的铺设几乎促进了即时通信，加快了商业和金融生活的步伐，使世界比以往任何时候都更加相互联系。我们深入分析了这一新生的全球化及其起因、发展和后果，探讨了技术创新以及人员、资金、货物和信息的流动如何重塑了世界的经济和社会格局，为当前全球化的当代动态奠定了基础。 |
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| == The Three Phases of Business Cycle Dynamics == | | == 商业周期动态的三个阶段 == |
| Globalization is a complex process of worldwide economic integration, which has unfolded unevenly across the globe. While markets have become increasingly interconnected, some players, such as Europe, have seen their influence and economic power grow considerably. This gradual, albeit uneven, integration has led to a dilution of traditional economic boundaries, and can be divided into three major historical phases.
| | 全球化是世界经济一体化的一个复杂过程，在全球各地的发展并不均衡。在市场日益相互关联的同时，一些参与者，如欧洲，其影响力和经济实力也显著增强。这种渐进的、尽管不均衡的一体化导致传统经济疆界的淡化，可分为三个主要历史阶段。 |
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| The first phase, from 1850 to 1872, marked a fundamental break with the past. It was an era of radical transformation, which saw the world shift from traditional organization to a modern, progress-oriented system. The explosion in economic growth and social advances of this period testify to industrial revolutions that profoundly altered modes of production and social relations, laying the foundations for an integrated world order.
| | 第一阶段从 1850 年到 1872 年，标志着与过去的根本决裂。这是一个彻底变革的时代，世界从传统的组织形式转向了以进步为导向的现代体系。这一时期的经济爆炸式增长和社会进步证明，工业革命深刻改变了生产方式和社会关系，为一体化的世界秩序奠定了基础。 |
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| The second phase, from 1873 to 1890, was characterized by a marked slowdown in the previous economic expansion. This period was overshadowed by a widespread crisis, affecting both industry and agriculture, particularly in Europe. The repercussions of this depression led to economic stagnation, imposing significant structural adjustments and reflecting the vulnerability of economies to global market fluctuations.
| | 第二阶段从 1873 年到 1890 年，其特点是之前的经济扩张明显放缓。在这一时期，出现了一场波及工农业的大范围危机，尤其是在欧洲。经济萧条的影响导致了经济停滞，造成了重大的结构调整，并反映出经济易受全球市场波动的影响。 |
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| The third phase, which began between 1890-95 and lasted until the eve of the First World War in 1914, was an ambiguous period marked by a return to economic growth, but also by a rise in international tensions. Growing disparities between nations and increased competition for resources and markets set the stage for a climate of discord that would eventually lead to conflict on a global scale. This period highlights the precarious, conflict-ridden nature of global economic interdependence.
| | 第三阶段始于 1890-95 年，一直持续到 1914 年第一次世界大战前夕，这是一个模糊的时期，其特点是经济恢复增长，但国际紧张局势加剧。国与国之间的差距日益扩大，对资源和市场的竞争日益激烈，这些都为最终导致全球范围冲突的不和谐氛围埋下了伏笔。这一时期凸显了全球经济相互依存的不稳定性和冲突频发性。 |
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| Thus, by examining these three phases, it is possible to grasp the evolution and dynamics of globalization, with its ups and downs, its periods of dazzling progress and its moments of crisis and tension. This illustrates the need to consider globalization as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, affecting far more than just economic spheres, profoundly influencing the organization and cohesion of societies worldwide.
| | 因此，通过对这三个阶段的研究，我们可以把握全球化的演变和动态，其中既有起起伏伏，也有令人眼花缭乱的进步时期，还有危机和紧张时刻。这说明有必要将全球化视为一种多层面的现象，其影响远不止于经济领域，而是深刻地影响着全世界社会的组织和凝聚力。 |
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| = Draft of Globalization: A Progressive Emergence = | | = 全球化草案： 全球化：逐步兴起 = |
| The period that marks the beginnings of the first globalization is often seen as one in which economic frontiers begin to gradually disappear, giving rise to the transnational integration of markets and trade. However, this characterization needs to be qualified. While, on the one hand, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw an unprecedented expansion of commercial and financial networks on a global scale, this era was also one in which nations and empires intensified the process of consolidating their national and imperial identities. This duality is clearly evident in the various dynamics of the period. On the one hand, technological advances, particularly in transport and communications, were shrinking distances and connecting markets, enabling goods, capital and people to circulate with unprecedented ease. The introduction of the telegraph, the opening of strategic canals such as the Suez, and the spread of steam power were catalysts for this economic interconnection. On the other hand, the era was marked by a surge of nationalism and the formalization of state structures. The great colonial powers competed for overseas territories, thus establishing the division of the world between empires. This phenomenon was also accompanied by protectionist policies and the emergence of economic doctrines favoring national industrialization and the safeguarding of each nation's own interests. It was against this complex and sometimes contradictory backdrop that the first globalization took shape, oscillating between openness and closure, international cooperation and imperial competition. This first act of globalization was to establish itself as a key moment in world economic history, laying the foundations for modern international trade while highlighting the limits and contradictions inherent in the process.
| | 标志着第一次全球化开始的时期通常被视为经济疆界开始逐渐消失、市场和贸易实现跨国一体化的时期。然而，这种描述需要加以限定。一方面，19 世纪末 20 世纪初，全球范围内的商业和金融网络空前扩张，另一方面，这个时代也是各国和各帝国加强巩固其民族和帝国特性的时代。这种双重性在这一时期的各种动态中清晰可见。一方面，技术进步，尤其是交通和通信技术的进步，缩小了距离，连接了市场，使货物、资本和人员的流通空前便捷。电报的引入、苏伊士运河等战略运河的开通以及蒸汽动力的普及，都是这种经济互联的催化剂。另一方面，这个时代的特点是民族主义的激增和国家结构的正规化。殖民大国竞相争夺海外领土，从而确立了帝国之间的世界划分。与此同时，还出现了保护主义政策以及主张国家工业化和维护各国自身利益的经济理论。正是在这种复杂的、有时甚至是相互矛盾的背景下，第一次全球化在开放与封闭、国际合作与帝国竞争之间摇摆不定。这第一次全球化行动成为世界经济史上的关键时刻，为现代国际贸易奠定了基础，同时也凸显了这一进程的局限性和内在矛盾。 |
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| == Impulses and Precursors of Global Interdependence == | | == 全球相互依存的动力和先兆 == |
| Early globalization was strongly influenced by the decline of protectionism, a movement that took place for a variety of intertwined and complex reasons. Originally, protectionism served as a shield for national economies, safeguarding them through tariffs that made imports more expensive and thus protected local producers from foreign competition. However, this dynamic began to reverse as the 19th century progressed, under the influence of several combined forces. Internal political and economic pressures, often driven by producers eager to expand their markets and by consumers in search of diversity and lower prices, began to undermine the foundations of protectionism. Mature industries, seeking outlets for their surplus production, supported the opening of borders to access new customers. At the same time, technological advances were revolutionizing transport and communication, making cross-border trade easier and less costly. This context naturally favored a discourse in favor of free trade, supported by the rise of liberal economic ideologies that extolled the virtues of unfettered trade for global economic growth. Moreover, the era was marked by the signing of numerous bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, in which nations agreed to mutually reduce their customs barriers. These treaties paved the way for a considerable increase in international trade. The expansion of industrial production beyond the capacity of domestic consumption also played a crucial role, driving companies to seek out external markets to dispose of their surpluses. This search for new markets was made all the easier by periods of relative peace between the major powers, providing the stability necessary for the growth of international trade. Thus, the decline in protectionism did not occur in a vacuum; it was the product of a convergence of economic, technological, ideological and political transformations. These changes not only eased trade constraints, but also paved the way for an era of economic globalization that would redefine international relations.
| | 早期的全球化受到保护主义衰落的强烈影响，而保护主义的衰落有各种错综复杂的原因。最初，保护主义是国家经济的保护伞，通过关税使进口商品更加昂贵，从而保护本地生产商免受外国竞争。然而，随着 19 世纪的到来，在几股力量的共同影响下，这种态势开始逆转。内部政治和经济压力开始动摇保护主义的根基，这些压力往往来自急于扩大市场的生产者和追求多样化和低价的消费者。成熟的产业为其过剩的产品寻找出路，支持开放边界以获得新的客户。与此同时，技术进步正在彻底改变运输和通信，使跨境贸易变得更加容易，成本更低。在这种背景下，自由主义经济思潮兴起，鼓吹不受约束的贸易对全球经济增长的好处，这自然有利于支持自由贸易的言论。此外，这个时代还签署了许多双边和多边贸易协定，各国同意相互减少关税壁垒。这些条约为国际贸易的大幅增长铺平了道路。工业生产的扩张超出了国内消费能力，这也起到了至关重要的作用，促使企业寻求外部市场来处理其盈余。大国之间的相对和平时期为国际贸易的增长提供了必要的稳定性，这使得寻找新市场变得更加容易。因此，保护主义的衰落并非发生在真空中；它是经济、技术、意识形态和政治变革共同作用的产物。这些变革不仅缓解了贸易限制，还为重新定义国际关系的经济全球化时代铺平了道路。 |
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| The rise of the first globalization was strongly stimulated by the unprecedented development of means of transport. In the 19th century, the advent of steam power and the continuous improvement of transport infrastructures revolutionized international trade. The revolution in maritime transport saw the construction of faster, more reliable steamships, which replaced sailing ships dependent on the vagaries of the wind. This led to a significant and steady increase in trade flows, as goods could now be moved faster and over longer distances. What's more, the opening of waterways such as the Suez Canal in 1869 considerably reduced maritime distances between Europe and Asia, speeding up trade and reducing transport costs. On land, the construction of rail networks revolutionized the transport of goods and people. Trains offered superior loading capacity and far greater speed than traditional modes of land transport such as carts or river navigation. This transformation was particularly notable in the United States, where the transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, linked the East and West coasts, opening up vast regions to trade and investment. This intensification of trade led to a significant drop in transport costs. The economies of scale achieved by larger ships and more efficient rail transport reduced the cost of delivering goods. As a result, products could be sold at more competitive prices in distant markets, making international goods more accessible and increasing demand. In addition, lower transport costs also made raw materials cheaper for producers and enabled the integration of remote regions into the global economy, facilitating the export of previously inaccessible resources. The impact on local economies has been profound, with the opening up of new markets and regional specialization based on comparative advantage. The development of transport thus played a key role in the dynamics of early globalization, making international trade not only possible but also profitable. This process helped weave an increasingly interdependent global economic network, defining the trajectory of international trade for decades to come.
| | 运输工具的空前发展有力地推动了第一次全球化的兴起。19 世纪，蒸汽动力的出现和交通基础设施的不断完善彻底改变了国际贸易。在海上运输革命中，建造了更快、更可靠的蒸汽船，取代了依赖风力的帆船。这导致贸易流量大幅稳定增长，因为货物现在可以更快、更远地运输。此外，1869 年苏伊士运河等水道的开通大大缩短了欧亚之间的海上距离，加快了贸易速度，降低了运输成本。在陆地上，铁路网络的建设彻底改变了货物和人员的运输。与马车或内河航运等传统陆路运输方式相比，火车具有更强的装载能力和更快的速度。这一变革在美国尤为显著，1869 年建成的横贯大陆铁路连接了东西海岸，为贸易和投资开辟了广阔的区域。贸易的加强导致运输成本大幅下降。更大的船只和更高效的铁路运输实现了规模经济，降低了货物运输成本。因此，产品可以在遥远的市场上以更具竞争力的价格出售，使国际商品更容易获得并增加了需求。此外，运输成本的降低也使生产商的原材料更加便宜，并使偏远地区能够融入全球经济，促进了以前无法获取的资源的出口。这对地方经济产生了深远的影响，开拓了新的市场，并在比较优势的基础上实现了区域专业化。因此，运输业的发展在早期全球化的动力中发挥了关键作用，使国际贸易不仅成为可能，而且有利可图。这一进程帮助编织了一个日益相互依存的全球经济网络，确定了未来几十年国际贸易的轨迹。 |
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| The rise of the first globalization was strongly stimulated by the unprecedented development of means of transport. In the 19th century, the advent of steam power and the continuous improvement of transport infrastructures revolutionized international trade. The revolution in maritime transport saw the construction of faster, more reliable steamships, which replaced sailing ships dependent on the vagaries of the wind. This led to a significant and steady increase in trade flows, as goods could now be moved faster and over longer distances. What's more, the opening of waterways such as the Suez Canal in 1869 considerably reduced maritime distances between Europe and Asia, speeding up trade and reducing transport costs. On land, the construction of rail networks revolutionized the transport of goods and people. Trains offered superior loading capacity and far greater speed than traditional modes of land transport such as carts or river navigation. This transformation was particularly notable in the United States, where the transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, linked the East and West coasts, opening up vast regions to trade and investment. This intensification of trade led to a significant drop in transport costs. The economies of scale achieved by larger ships and more efficient rail transport reduced the cost of delivering goods. As a result, products could be sold at more competitive prices in distant markets, making international goods more accessible and increasing demand. In addition, lower transport costs also made raw materials cheaper for producers and enabled the integration of remote regions into the global economy, facilitating the export of previously inaccessible resources. The impact on local economies has been profound, with the opening up of new markets and regional specialization based on comparative advantage. The development of transport thus played a key role in the dynamics of early globalization, making international trade not only possible but also profitable. This process helped weave an increasingly interdependent global economic network, defining the trajectory of international trade for decades to come.
| | 运输工具的空前发展有力地推动了第一次全球化的兴起。19 世纪，蒸汽动力的出现和运输基础设施的不断完善彻底改变了国际贸易。在海上运输革命中，建造了更快、更可靠的蒸汽船，取代了依赖风力的帆船。这导致贸易流量大幅稳定增长，因为货物现在可以更快、更远地运输。此外，1869 年苏伊士运河等水道的开通大大缩短了欧亚之间的海上距离，加快了贸易速度，降低了运输成本。在陆地上，铁路网络的建设彻底改变了货物和人员的运输。与马车或内河航运等传统陆路运输方式相比，火车具有更强的装载能力和更快的速度。这一变革在美国尤为显著，1869 年建成的横贯大陆铁路连接了东西海岸，为贸易和投资开辟了广阔的区域。贸易的加强导致运输成本大幅下降。更大的船只和更高效的铁路运输实现了规模经济，降低了货物运输成本。因此，产品可以在遥远的市场上以更具竞争力的价格出售，使国际商品更容易获得并增加了需求。此外，运输成本的降低也使生产商的原材料更加便宜，并使偏远地区能够融入全球经济，促进了以前无法获取的资源的出口。这对地方经济产生了深远的影响，开拓了新的市场，并在比较优势的基础上实现了区域专业化。因此，运输业的发展在早期全球化的动力中发挥了关键作用，使国际贸易不仅成为可能，而且有利可图。这一进程帮助编织了一个日益相互依存的全球经济网络，确定了未来几十年国际贸易的轨迹。 |
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| The first globalization was also marked by the globalization of migratory flows, a far-reaching human dynamic that accompanied and reinforced the economic and social transformations of the time. International migration took on a massive dimension, with millions of people leaving their countries of origin to settle in new parts of the world, often driven by the search for a better life, escape from harsh conditions, or the lure of economic opportunity brought about by the industrial revolution and the expansion of colonial empires. These human flows were facilitated by the same technological advances that enabled the intensification of trade in goods and services. Lower shipping costs made transoceanic travel accessible to a greater number of people. Vast population movements took place, notably from Europe to North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. These migrations were often encouraged by colonial and national governments seeking to populate territories, develop agriculture and meet the labor needs of growing economies. Immigrants not only contributed to the economic development of their host countries through their work, but also played an important role in the transfer of skills, knowledge and cultures. The diasporas created by these population movements have served as bridges between nations, facilitating other forms of exchange such as trade, investment and even diplomatic relations. At the same time, these massive migrations had profound consequences on societies, both for the host countries and for the countries of origin. Countries of origin may have suffered from the loss of population, but often benefited from remittances. Host countries, meanwhile, saw their demography, culture and economy transformed by the arrival of these newcomers. The globalization of migratory flows during the first globalization was therefore a major phenomenon that helped shape the modern world, its economies and societies. It was an essential factor in global economic integration, bringing peoples closer together and forging transnational links that continue to influence global dynamics today.
| | 第一次全球化的另一个标志是移民潮的全球化，这是一种影响深远的人类动 力，伴随并加强了当时的经济和社会变革。国际移民规模庞大，数以百万计的人离开原籍国，到世界的新地方定居，他们往往是为了寻求更好的生活，逃离恶劣的环境，或者是受到工业革命和殖民帝国扩张所带来的经济机会的诱惑。技术的进步也促进了商品和服务贸易的发展。航运成本的降低使更多的人可以跨洋旅行。人口发生了大规模迁移，特别是从欧洲向北美、拉丁美洲、澳大利亚和新西兰迁移。殖民地政府和国家政府往往鼓励这些移民，以增加领土人口、发展农业和满足不断增长的经济对劳动力的需求。移民不仅通过工作为东道国的经济发展做出了贡献，还在技能、知识和文化的传播方面发挥了重要作用。这些人口流动所产生的移民社群成为国家之间的桥梁，促进了其他形式的交流，如贸易、投资甚至外交关系。与此同时，这些大规模的移民对东道国和原籍国的社会都产生了深远的影响。原籍国可能因人口流失而蒙受损失，但往往因汇款而受益。与此同时，这些新移民的到来改变了东道国的人口、文化和经济。因此，第一次全球化期间移民潮的全球化是帮助塑造现代世界、其经济和社会的一个重要现象。它是全球经济一体化的一个重要因素，拉近了各国人民之间的距离，形成了跨国联系，至今仍在影响着全球动态。 |
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| The first wave of globalization was characterized not only by expanding trade and population movements, but also by significant financial globalization. International financial flows, in the form of foreign direct investment, loans, bonds and shares, began to intensify during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The increase in cross-border financial flows was closely linked to economic growth and industrialization. Developing countries and those undergoing rapid industrialization had a considerable need for capital to finance their expansion. At the same time, European countries, particularly the UK, had surplus capital which they sought to invest abroad in search of higher returns. This led to a major influx of capital, notably into infrastructure such as railroads, ports and mines, but also into utilities and the financial sector itself. Innovations in the financial sector, such as the creation of organized stock markets and the expansion of the international banking system, facilitated these capital movements. European banks established branches abroad and began to play a major role in financing international trade and investment. The relative stability provided by the gold standard, a monetary system where currencies were convertible into gold at a fixed rate, also encouraged cross-border investment by reducing exchange risk. This convertibility reinforced confidence in international financial transactions and facilitated trade and investment on a global scale. However, this financial integration was not without risks. It made national economies more interdependent and therefore more vulnerable to financial crises. The financial panic of 1873 and the banking crisis of 1907 are examples where financial shocks spread rapidly from one country to another, demonstrating the drawbacks of an interconnected financial system. Financial globalization was thus an essential pillar of the first globalization, contributing not only to the increase in global wealth but also to the emergence of a more complex and interdependent world economy. It laid the foundations for today's global financial system, while highlighting the challenges associated with managing international capital flows.
| | 第一波全球化浪潮的特点不仅是贸易和人口流动的扩大，还有显著的金融全球化。19 世纪和 20 世纪初，以外国直接投资、贷款、债券和股票为形式的国际资金流动开始加强。跨境资金流动的增加与经济增长和工业化密切相关。发展中国家和正在经历快速工业化的国家需要大量资本为其扩张提供资金。与此同时，欧洲国家，尤其是英国，拥有过剩的资本，他们试图将这些资本投资到国外，以寻求更高的回报。这导致大量资本涌入，主要是铁路、港口和矿山等基础设施，也包括公用事业和金融业本身。金融领域的创新，如建立有组织的股票市场和扩大国际银行体系，促进了这些资本流动。欧洲银行在海外设立分行，并开始在国际贸易和投资融资方面发挥重要作用。金本位制是一种货币可按固定汇率兑换成黄金的货币制度，它所带来的相对稳定性也通过降低汇率风险鼓励了跨国投资。这种可兑换性增强了人们对国际金融交易的信心，促进了全球范围内的贸易和投资。然而，这种金融一体化并非没有风险。它使各国经济更加相互依存，因此更容易受到金融危机的影响。1873 年的金融恐慌和 1907 年的银行危机都是金融冲击从一国迅速蔓延到另一国的例子，表明了相互关联的金融体系的弊端。因此，金融全球化是第一次全球化的重要支柱，它不仅促进了全球财富的增长，也使世界经济变得更加复杂和相互依存。它为今天的全球金融体系奠定了基础，同时也凸显了与管理国际资本流动相关的挑战。 |
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| == European Hegemony: Power, Prosperity and Radiation == | | == 欧洲霸权： 权力、繁荣与辐射 == |
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| During the period of early globalization, Europe occupied a central and dominant position in the concert of nations. This era is often seen as the apogee of European influence, when the continent's imperialist powers - the UK, France, Germany and others - extended their economic, political and cultural sway across the globe. The export of European capital, ideas, technologies and modes of governance shaped economies and societies across continents. However, this period of European domination was also marked by a lack of unity within the continent itself. European nation-states, then in the throes of asserting their sovereignty, were imbued with rivalries and expansionist desires that would inevitably lead to direct confrontation. This competition translated into an arms race, shifting alliances and a series of diplomatic crises that ultimately led to the conflagration of the First World War in 1914. The war was a dramatic tipping point, marking the end of a period of unchallenged European hegemony and paving the way for new balances of power. At the same time, the United States, benefiting from its vast territory, abundant natural resources and constant influx of immigrants, began to assert itself as a rising power. The American economy gained in strength, and the country began to extend its influence beyond its borders, positioning itself as both a rival and a partner for the European powers. The inter-war years saw the United States assert itself as a key player on the international stage, a trend that would become even more solidified with the two world conflicts of the 20th century. Thus, the first globalization was not only a period of integration and economic expansion, but also one of paradoxes and contradictions, where international cooperation coexisted with intense rivalries, foreshadowing the major geopolitical upheavals that would reshape the world in the following century.
| | 在早期全球化时期，欧洲在各国的合作中占据着核心和主导地位。这个时代通常被视为欧洲影响力的顶峰，当时欧洲大陆的帝国主义强国--英国、法国、德国和其他国家--将其经济、政治和文化影响力扩展到全球各地。欧洲资本、思想、技术和管理模式的输出塑造了各大洲的经济和社会。然而，欧洲统治时期的另一个特点是欧洲大陆内部缺乏统一。欧洲民族国家当时正处于宣示主权的阵痛期，充满了竞争和扩张欲望，这将不可避免地导致直接对抗。这种竞争转化为军备竞赛、联盟变化和一系列外交危机，最终导致了 1914 年第一次世界大战的爆发。这场战争是一个戏剧性的转折点，标志着欧洲霸权无人挑战时期的结束，并为新的力量平衡铺平了道路。与此同时，美国凭借其广袤的领土、丰富的自然资源和不断涌入的移民，开始彰显其崛起大国的地位。美国的经济实力不断增强，影响力开始扩展到境外，既是欧洲列强的竞争对手，也是它们的合作伙伴。二战期间，美国在国际舞台上扮演着重要角色，这一趋势在 20 世纪的两次世界冲突中变得更加稳固。因此，第一次全球化不仅是一个一体化和经济扩张的时期，也是一个充满矛盾和冲突的时期，在这一时期，国际合作与激烈的竞争并存，预示着下个世纪将重塑世界的重大地缘政治动荡。 |
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| = Mechanisms of the Transportation Revolution and their Implications = | | = 交通革命的机制及其影响 = |
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| The transportation revolution is a phenomenon that has truly transformed economic and social dynamics on a global scale, and its beginnings can be traced back to the 18th century. The initiative to link Europe's river basins with large navigable canals was one of the first milestones of this revolution. Essential for trade and industrialization, this undertaking considerably facilitated trade by reducing transport costs and times within the continent.
| | 交通革命是一种真正改变全球经济和社会动态的现象，其起源可以追溯到 18 世纪。用大型通航运河连接欧洲河流流域的举措是这场革命的第一个里程碑。运河对贸易和工业化至关重要，它降低了运输成本，缩短了运输时间，极大地促进了欧洲大陆的贸易。 |
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| Canals made it possible to transport bulky or heavy goods, such as coal, ore and other raw materials essential to industrialization, over long distances at far lower costs than traditional overland means of transport. They thus played a crucial role in the economic development of hitherto isolated regions, and contributed to the expansion of domestic markets. However, it was in the 19th century that the transportation revolution really took off, with the arrival of the railways. The invention of the steam locomotive and the construction of railroads were decisive technological advances that changed the game. Trains were faster, could carry much heavier loads and were not limited by natural or man-made waterways. Rail networks expanded rapidly, linking major cities, industrial centers and even cross-border regions. Parallel to these land-based developments, advances in shipbuilding enabled the construction of larger, safer and faster ships, capable of crossing oceans with larger cargoes. The steam engine replaced the sail, eliminating dependence on winds and currents and enabling more regular and predictable sailing schedules. These innovations had a catalytic effect on international trade, bringing continents closer together and making economic globalization all the more concrete. By the turn of the 20th century, these technological advances in transportation had shrunk the world, opening up distant markets and facilitating the global economic integration that would characterize the first wave of globalization. The effects of the transportation revolution on society were equally profound, fostering not only urbanization and changes in population distribution, but also enabling a more rapid spread of ideas and innovations across the globe.
| | 运河使远距离运输煤炭、矿石和工业化所必需的其他原材料等大宗或重型货物成为可能，其成本远远低于传统的陆路运输方式。因此，运河在迄今为止与世隔绝地区的经济发展中发挥了至关重要的作用，并促进了国内市场的扩大。然而，随着铁路的出现，运输革命真正开始是在 19 世纪。蒸汽机车的发明和铁路的修建是改变游戏规则的决定性技术进步。火车速度更快，可以运载更重的货物，而且不受天然或人工水道的限制。铁路网络迅速扩张，将主要城市、工业中心甚至跨境地区连接起来。在陆上发展的同时，造船业也取得了进步，造出了更大、更安全、更快速的船只，能够装载更多货物横渡大洋。蒸汽机取代了风帆，消除了对风和洋流的依赖，使航行更有规律，更可预测。这些创新对国际贸易产生了催化作用，拉近了各大洲之间的距离，使经济全球化更加具体化。到 20 世纪之交，这些运输技术的进步缩小了世界的范围，打开了遥远的市场，促进了全球经济一体化，而这正是第一波全球化的特征。交通革命对社会的影响同样深远，它不仅促进了城市化和人口分布的变化，还使思想和创新得以在全球范围内更迅速地传播。 |
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| The rise of the railroads in the 19th century marked a decisive turning point in the modernization of transport infrastructures, and played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and the first globalization. Starting in Great Britain and Belgium in the 1850s, this boom rapidly spread to France in the 1860s, and then to the whole of the European continent and beyond in the following decades. Railroads brought a series of unprecedented benefits. Their speed significantly reduced travel times, linking distant towns and regions and fostering the emergence of more integrated national markets. The reliability of rail services, with a remarkably low number of accidents compared with other modes of transport at the time, reinforced public and business confidence in this means of transport. In addition, the power of steam locomotives made it possible to transport large volumes of goods, such as coal, and passengers, consolidating economies of scale and stimulating trade and industrialization. By 1914, railroads were at the heart of Europe's transport system, and the appearance of streetcars in major cities was testimony to the continuing innovation in urban transport. These electric streetcars, better suited to navigating the narrow, congested streets of metropolises, improved urban mobility and played a key role in the expansion and increasing urbanization of European cities. At the dawn of the First World War, the European rail network had reached a level of development that would only be surpassed by subsequent innovations in motorized transport. But in those days, rail was the symbol of connectivity and efficiency, contributing not only to economic growth, but also to a new perception of space and time. It had revolutionized travel, trade and even warfare, becoming an indispensable part of everyday life and a key driver of globalization.
| | 19 世纪铁路的兴起标志着交通基础设施现代化的决定性转折点，在工业革命和第一次全球化中发挥了关键作用。从 19 世纪 50 年代的英国和比利时开始，这一热潮在 19 世纪 60 年代迅速蔓延到法国，并在随后的几十年里扩展到整个欧洲大陆和其他地区。铁路带来了一系列前所未有的好处。铁路的速度大大缩短了旅行时间，将遥远的城镇和地区连接起来，促进了更加一体化的国家市场的出现。与当时的其他运输方式相比，铁路服务非常可靠，事故发生率极低，这增强了公众和企业对这种运输方式的信心。此外，蒸汽机车的动力使得运输煤炭等大量货物和旅客成为可能，从而巩固了规模经济，促进了贸易和工业化。到 1914 年，铁路已成为欧洲运输系统的核心，而有轨电车在大城市的出现则证明了城市交通的不断创新。这些电动有轨电车更适合在大都市狭窄拥挤的街道上行驶，提高了城市的流动性，在欧洲城市扩张和城市化进程中发挥了关键作用。第一次世界大战爆发之初，欧洲铁路网的发展水平只有后来的机动化交通创新才能超越。但在当时，铁路是连通性和效率的象征，它不仅促进了经济增长，还带来了对空间和时间的全新认识。它彻底改变了旅行、贸易甚至战争，成为日常生活中不可或缺的一部分，也是全球化的重要推动力。 |
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| The expansion of transportation networks, particularly railroads, considerably altered the perception and use of space in the 19th century. The concept of the isochrone, defining the geographical area accessible within one hour of transport, emerged as a key tool for understanding the impact of mobility innovations. For a retailer, the one-hour isochrone draws the catchment area, i.e. the extent of the potentially accessible market. This means that a larger population can now be reached more quickly, expanding commercial and economic opportunities. From the worker's point of view, isochrones widened the scope of employment opportunities. If one's salary was considered insufficient, it was now conceivable to look for a higher-paying job in a company located an hour away, thus increasing competition between employers to attract labor. This is particularly relevant in an urban area of 400,000 inhabitants, where employment options are multiplying. The transport revolution has also brought about profound changes in social structure and human relations. People began to take the train to work, a great first that began as early as the 1850s to 1870s. This increased mobility led to the development of suburbs, as workers were able to live a considerable distance from their place of work while keeping their commute time to a minimum. This phenomenon allowed a certain separation between home and work, enabling families to choose living environments far from the hustle and bustle and pollution of industrial areas, while still benefiting from the economic advantages they offered. The impact of this transport revolution was not limited to the economy and work; it also transformed social life. Leisure travel became more common, family visits more frequent, and social and cultural events more accessible, contributing to an enrichment and diversification of life experiences for many Europeans. In short, the transportation revolution was an essential driving force in opening up space and expanding the horizon of possibilities, redefining human relationships on an individual and collective scale.
| | 交通网络的扩张，尤其是铁路的扩张，在很大程度上改变了 19 世纪人们对空间的认识和利用。等时区的概念定义了交通一小时内可到达的地理区域，是了解交通创新影响的重要工具。对于零售商而言，一小时等时线划定了覆盖区域，即潜在市场的范围。这意味着现在可以更快地覆盖更多人口，扩大商业和经济机会。从工人的角度来看，等时线扩大了就业机会的范围。如果一个人认为自己的工资不够高，那么现在就可以到一小时车程以外的公司寻找一份收入更高的工作，从而增加了雇主之间吸引劳动力的竞争。对于一个拥有 40 万居民的城市地区来说，这一点尤为重要，因为这里的就业选择越来越多。交通革命还带来了社会结构和人际关系的深刻变化。人们开始乘坐火车上班，这是早在十九世纪五十年代至七十年代就开始的伟大创举。流动性的增加导致了郊区的发展，因为工人们可以住在离工作地点相当远的地方，同时将通勤时间控制在最低限度。这种现象使得家庭与工作地点之间有了一定的距离，使家庭能够选择远离工业区的喧嚣和污染的居住环境，同时还能从工业区提供的经济优势中获益。这场交通革命的影响不仅限于经济和工作，它还改变了社会生活。休闲旅行变得更加普遍，探亲访友变得更加频繁，社会和文化活动变得更加方便，这使得许多欧洲人的生活经历变得更加丰富和多样化。总之，交通革命是开辟空间、扩大可能性、重新定义个人和集体人际关系的重要推动力。 |
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| Steamships revolutionized maritime transport in the 19th century, overturning both the speed and efficiency with which people and goods could cross the oceans. One of the most significant transformations was the halving of the time needed to cross the Atlantic, from around 30 days to just 15. This made transatlantic travel much more convenient, and stimulated flourishing international trade and the movement of people. The first steamships used paddlewheels, a technology which, while revolutionary compared with sailing, had its limitations. Paddlewheels were less efficient in rough waters and could be damaged by high waves. In addition, they took up a lot of space on the sides of the ship, limiting loading capacity. The introduction of the propeller (or Archimedean screw) was a major breakthrough. Being fully submerged, propellers were more protected from the elements and offered less resistance to forward movement in the water, making ships faster and more economical in terms of fuel consumption. They also enabled better control and maneuverability of the vessel, which was crucial in crowded ports and on busy shipping lanes. These technological improvements, combined with the construction of larger, stronger metal ships, ushered in an era of mass shipping. Steamships played a key role in the expansion of the British Empire, and were essential for maintaining lines of communication and trade between the UK and its colonies around the world. In addition, they facilitated mass immigration to the Americas, particularly the USA, where many Europeans sought new economic opportunities and a better life, contributing to the wave of globalization and population movements of the time.
| | 蒸汽船彻底改变了 19 世纪的海上运输，颠覆了人员和货物跨越大洋的速度和效率。其中最重要的变革是将横渡大西洋所需的时间缩短了一半，从 30 天左右缩短到 15 天。这使得跨大西洋旅行更加方便，促进了国际贸易和人员流动的蓬勃发展。第一批蒸汽船使用的是桨轮，这种技术虽然与航海技术相比具有革命性，但也有其局限性。在波涛汹涌的海面上，桨轮的效率较低，而且可能被大浪损坏。此外，它们占用了船舷的大量空间，限制了装载能力。螺旋桨（或阿基米德螺旋）的出现是一项重大突破。由于螺旋桨完全浸没在水中，因此可以更好地抵御风浪，减少在水中前行的阻力，使船只行驶得更快，燃料消耗更经济。螺旋桨还能更好地控制和操纵船只，这在拥挤的港口和繁忙的航道上至关重要。这些技术改进，加上建造更大、更坚固的金属船只，开创了大规模航运时代。蒸汽船在大英帝国的扩张中发挥了关键作用，对于维持英国与其世界各地殖民地之间的通信和贸易线路至关重要。此外，蒸汽船还促进了向美洲（尤其是美国）的大规模移民，许多欧洲人在那里寻求新的经济机会和更好的生活，推动了当时的全球化浪潮和人口流动。 |
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| The transition from sailing to steam navigation marked a milestone in the history of globalization, making maritime transport safer and faster. The advent of steamships brought unprecedented predictability to sea travel. Whereas sailing ships were at the mercy of the vagaries of the climate, subject to major delays due to adverse weather conditions, steamships were able to maintain much more regular schedules. This increased regularity and speed had far-reaching repercussions, not least on immigration. People wishing to emigrate knew they could count on more precise arrival dates, making it easier to organize their departures and arrivals in new countries. This contributed to massive waves of immigration, particularly to the New World, where the promise of freedom, opportunity and prosperity attracted many Europeans. On the commercial front, steam navigation made it possible to establish fast, reliable sea links, essential to the development of international trade. Goods could be delivered with greater certainty of arrival date, reducing risk for traders and enabling more efficient inventory management. Agricultural products, such as rice, which had previously been considered exotic or expensive in Europe due to slow and uncertain transport routes, became more accessible and less expensive. Thus, the diversification of food in Europe was one of the many tangible benefits of this innovation. The increased reliability of travel also had implications for the world of business and finance, enabling faster transactions and the exchange of information. Shipping companies were able to establish fixed schedules, and marine insurance, once extremely expensive due to the high risks associated with sailing, became more affordable. The steamboat revolution was a key factor in globalization, facilitating trade, cultural exchange and population movements on a scale never before possible, bringing different parts of the world closer together in a way that would profoundly shape contemporary and future societies. The impact will also be felt on transport costs, which will plummet.
| | 从航海到蒸汽航行的转变标志着全球化历史上的一个里程碑，它使海上运输变得更加安全和快捷。蒸汽船的出现为海上旅行带来了前所未有的可预测性。帆船受气候变化无常的影响，会因恶劣的天气条件而出现重大延误，而蒸汽轮船则能够保持更有规律的时间表。定期性和速度的提高产生了深远的影响，尤其是对移民。希望移居国外的人们知道他们可以指望更准确的抵达日期，从而更容易安排他们离开和抵达新的国家。这推动了大规模的移民潮，尤其是移民到新大陆，那里的自由、机遇和繁荣吸引了许多欧洲人。在商业方面，蒸汽航海使建立快速、可靠的海上通道成为可能，这对国际贸易的发展至关重要。货物交付时可以更加确定到达日期，从而降低了贸易商的风险，提高了库存管理的效率。由于运输路线缓慢且不确定，大米等农产品以前在欧洲被认为是外来品或价格昂贵，现在则变得更容易获得且价格更低。因此，欧洲食品的多样化是这一创新带来的众多实实在在的好处之一。旅行可靠性的提高也对商业和金融界产生了影响，使交易和信息交流更加快捷。船运公司能够制定固定的船期，由于航海风险高而一度极为昂贵的海上保险也变得更加经济实惠。蒸汽船革命是全球化的一个关键因素，它促进了贸易、文化交流和人口流动，其规模前所未有，拉近了世界不同地区之间的距离，深刻影响了当代和未来社会。此外，运输成本也将大幅下降。 |
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| The year 1859 marked another crucial milestone in the acceleration of globalization, with the laying of transatlantic telegraph cables, a feat that linked the European and American continents in an unprecedented way through near-instantaneous communication. Telegraph cables enabled the rapid transmission of information over long distances, revolutionizing international communications and having a particularly strong impact on financial markets. Before this innovation, news crossed the ocean at the speed of ships, taking weeks to reach its destination. Financial information was therefore often out of date by the time it was received, making stock market speculation and investment decisions extremely risky. Instant communication changed all that, enabling stock markets to react in real time to economic, political and commercial developments. The implications of this breakthrough were far-reaching. For the first time, financial transactions and investment decisions could be made synchronously on different continents. The result was much greater economic interdependence and market volatility. With information now circulating in a matter of minutes, a chain reaction could occur on the world's markets. A stock market panic in New York could instantly create uncertainty among investors in London and Paris, leading to massive share sales and market declines. However, this connectivity also had a positive side. It enabled greater transparency and better corporate governance by facilitating the dissemination of timely and reliable financial information. Investors could now access up-to-date data, enabling a more informed and dynamic business environment. In addition, the telegraph had a significant cultural and social impact, as news from around the world could be shared almost instantaneously. Political events, scientific discoveries and even trivia could be communicated rapidly to an international audience, contributing to an awareness of an interconnected global community. This technological innovation was therefore one of the factors that paved the way for the twentieth century, characterized by an integrated global economy and a fast-moving information culture that have become the norm in contemporary society.
| | 1859 年，跨大西洋电报电缆的铺设标志着全球化进程加速的另一个重要里程碑，这一壮举通过近乎瞬时的通信，以前所未有的方式将欧洲大陆和美洲大陆连接起来。电报电缆实现了信息的远距离快速传输，彻底改变了国际通信，并对金融市场产生了特别大的影响。在这项创新之前，新闻以船只的速度漂洋过海，需要数周时间才能到达目的地。因此，金融信息往往在收到时已经过时，使得股市投机和投资决策风险极大。即时通信改变了这一切，使股市能够对经济、政治和商业发展做出实时反应。这一突破影响深远。金融交易和投资决策第一次可以在不同的大洲同步进行。其结果是，经济相互依存性和市场波动性大大增强。现在，信息的流通只需几分钟，世界市场就可能发生连锁反应。纽约股市的恐慌会立即给伦敦和巴黎的投资者带来不确定性，导致大量股票抛售和市场下跌。然而，这种互联互通也有积极的一面。它通过促进及时可靠的金融信息传播，提高了透明度，改善了公司治理。投资者现在可以获得最新的数据，从而营造了一个更加知情和充满活力的商业环境。此外，电报还产生了重大的文化和社会影响，因为来自世界各地的新闻几乎可以在瞬间分享。政治事件、科学发现甚至琐事都可以迅速传递给国际受众，从而促进了人们对相互联系的全球社会的认识。因此，这一技术创新是为二十世纪铺平道路的因素之一，二十世纪的特点是全球经济一体化和快速发展的信息文化，这已成为当代社会的常态。 |
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| = Assessment of the Pioneering Era of Globalization = | | = 对全球化先驱时代的评估 = |
| The first period of globalization, from the mid-19th century to the outbreak of the First World War, was a pivotal time in the formation of the modern world. It was shaped by remarkable technological advances and an upheaval in economic and social structures. The gradual erosion of physical and economic frontiers, coupled with the uneven integration of markets, led to an era of unprecedented growth and tension. Europe, at the heart of this dynamic, played a leading role, despite the internal divisions that ultimately led to its partial self-destruction during the war.
| | 从 19 世纪中叶到第一次世界大战爆发的第一个全球化时期是现代世界形成的关键时期。这一时期技术进步显著，经济和社会结构动荡不安。物质和经济疆界的逐渐消亡，加上市场一体化的不平衡，导致了一个前所未有的增长和紧张的时代。欧洲是这一动态的核心，尽管内部分裂最终导致其在战争中部分自我毁灭，但欧洲仍发挥了主导作用。 |
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| Reduced protectionism, improved transport and instant communication revolutionized exchanges and interactions on an international scale, fostering growing interdependence between nations. Mass migration, capital flows and the exchange of goods and ideas not only strengthened national economies, but also intertwined the destinies of people the world over, foreshadowing the complexities of today's global economy.
| | 保护主义的减少、交通的改善和即时通信彻底改变了国际范围内的交流和互动，促进了国家间日益增长的相互依存关系。大规模移民、资本流动以及商品和思想交流不仅加强了国家经济，还将全世界人民的命运交织在一起，预示着当今全球经济的复杂性。 |
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| As the rise of the United States began to reshape the global balance of power, Europe was plunged into the turmoil of war, underscoring the fragility of an interconnected system. This historical period raises ever-relevant questions about how nations can work together for shared prosperity while managing the inequalities and tensions that inevitably arise from international competition and cooperation.
| | 当美国的崛起开始重塑全球力量平衡时，欧洲却陷入了战争的动荡，凸显了相互关联体系的脆弱性。这段历史时期所提出的问题始终具有现实意义，即各国如何才能在管理国际竞争与合作中不可避免地产生的不平等和紧张局势的同时，共同努力实现共同繁荣。 |
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| Ultimately, the lessons of the first globalization remain crucial to understanding the challenges and opportunities of our globalized age. They teach us the importance of innovation and adaptability, while warning us of the risks of conflict and disunity that can emerge from an increasingly interdependent world.
| | 归根结底，第一次全球化的经验教训对于理解我们全球化时代的挑战和机遇仍然至关重要。它们告诉我们创新和适应能力的重要性，同时也警示我们在一个日益相互依存的世界中可能出现的冲突和不团结的风险。 |
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| = Annexes = | | = 附录 = |
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| = References = | | = 参考资料 = |
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根据米歇尔-奥利斯（Michel Oris）的课程改编[1][2]
第一波全球化浪潮从 19 世纪中叶开始形成，是人类交往和国际贸易史上的一个剧变 时期。这个时代可以分为三个不同的阶段：首先，从 1850 年到 1872 年，我们目睹了经济和社会制度的大变革，当时正处于鼎盛时期的欧洲成为经济增长和社会进步的中心枢纽。随后，从 1873 年到 1890 年，经济停滞不前，农业和工业都深陷危机，反映了当时经济发展的局限性和不平衡性。最后，从 1890-95 年到 1914 年第一次世界大战爆发，经济重新增长的同时，国际紧张局势加剧。
这一早期全球化时代的特点是前所未有的技术进步和创新，这导致了有形边界和经济边界的逐渐削弱，尽管市场一体化仍不均衡。欧洲虽然是这一全球动态的中心，但未能保持团结，最终在大战的自相残杀中崩溃，而美国则开始崛起。
贸易自由化体现在保护主义的退却、铁路网络的扩张以及蒸汽船带来的海上运输革命，这些都为贸易的加强铺平了道路。跨大西洋电报电缆的铺设几乎促进了即时通信，加快了商业和金融生活的步伐，使世界比以往任何时候都更加相互联系。我们深入分析了这一新生的全球化及其起因、发展和后果，探讨了技术创新以及人员、资金、货物和信息的流动如何重塑了世界的经济和社会格局，为当前全球化的当代动态奠定了基础。
全球化是世界经济一体化的一个复杂过程，在全球各地的发展并不均衡。在市场日益相互关联的同时，一些参与者，如欧洲，其影响力和经济实力也显著增强。这种渐进的、尽管不均衡的一体化导致传统经济疆界的淡化，可分为三个主要历史阶段。
第一阶段从 1850 年到 1872 年，标志着与过去的根本决裂。这是一个彻底变革的时代，世界从传统的组织形式转向了以进步为导向的现代体系。这一时期的经济爆炸式增长和社会进步证明，工业革命深刻改变了生产方式和社会关系，为一体化的世界秩序奠定了基础。
第二阶段从 1873 年到 1890 年，其特点是之前的经济扩张明显放缓。在这一时期，出现了一场波及工农业的大范围危机，尤其是在欧洲。经济萧条的影响导致了经济停滞，造成了重大的结构调整，并反映出经济易受全球市场波动的影响。
第三阶段始于 1890-95 年，一直持续到 1914 年第一次世界大战前夕，这是一个模糊的时期，其特点是经济恢复增长，但国际紧张局势加剧。国与国之间的差距日益扩大，对资源和市场的竞争日益激烈，这些都为最终导致全球范围冲突的不和谐氛围埋下了伏笔。这一时期凸显了全球经济相互依存的不稳定性和冲突频发性。
因此，通过对这三个阶段的研究，我们可以把握全球化的演变和动态，其中既有起起伏伏，也有令人眼花缭乱的进步时期，还有危机和紧张时刻。这说明有必要将全球化视为一种多层面的现象，其影响远不止于经济领域，而是深刻地影响着全世界社会的组织和凝聚力。
标志着第一次全球化开始的时期通常被视为经济疆界开始逐渐消失、市场和贸易实现跨国一体化的时期。然而，这种描述需要加以限定。一方面，19 世纪末 20 世纪初，全球范围内的商业和金融网络空前扩张，另一方面，这个时代也是各国和各帝国加强巩固其民族和帝国特性的时代。这种双重性在这一时期的各种动态中清晰可见。一方面，技术进步，尤其是交通和通信技术的进步，缩小了距离，连接了市场，使货物、资本和人员的流通空前便捷。电报的引入、苏伊士运河等战略运河的开通以及蒸汽动力的普及，都是这种经济互联的催化剂。另一方面，这个时代的特点是民族主义的激增和国家结构的正规化。殖民大国竞相争夺海外领土，从而确立了帝国之间的世界划分。与此同时，还出现了保护主义政策以及主张国家工业化和维护各国自身利益的经济理论。正是在这种复杂的、有时甚至是相互矛盾的背景下，第一次全球化在开放与封闭、国际合作与帝国竞争之间摇摆不定。这第一次全球化行动成为世界经济史上的关键时刻，为现代国际贸易奠定了基础，同时也凸显了这一进程的局限性和内在矛盾。
早期的全球化受到保护主义衰落的强烈影响，而保护主义的衰落有各种错综复杂的原因。最初，保护主义是国家经济的保护伞，通过关税使进口商品更加昂贵，从而保护本地生产商免受外国竞争。然而，随着 19 世纪的到来，在几股力量的共同影响下，这种态势开始逆转。内部政治和经济压力开始动摇保护主义的根基，这些压力往往来自急于扩大市场的生产者和追求多样化和低价的消费者。成熟的产业为其过剩的产品寻找出路，支持开放边界以获得新的客户。与此同时，技术进步正在彻底改变运输和通信，使跨境贸易变得更加容易，成本更低。在这种背景下，自由主义经济思潮兴起，鼓吹不受约束的贸易对全球经济增长的好处，这自然有利于支持自由贸易的言论。此外，这个时代还签署了许多双边和多边贸易协定，各国同意相互减少关税壁垒。这些条约为国际贸易的大幅增长铺平了道路。工业生产的扩张超出了国内消费能力，这也起到了至关重要的作用，促使企业寻求外部市场来处理其盈余。大国之间的相对和平时期为国际贸易的增长提供了必要的稳定性，这使得寻找新市场变得更加容易。因此，保护主义的衰落并非发生在真空中；它是经济、技术、意识形态和政治变革共同作用的产物。这些变革不仅缓解了贸易限制，还为重新定义国际关系的经济全球化时代铺平了道路。
运输工具的空前发展有力地推动了第一次全球化的兴起。19 世纪，蒸汽动力的出现和交通基础设施的不断完善彻底改变了国际贸易。在海上运输革命中，建造了更快、更可靠的蒸汽船，取代了依赖风力的帆船。这导致贸易流量大幅稳定增长，因为货物现在可以更快、更远地运输。此外，1869 年苏伊士运河等水道的开通大大缩短了欧亚之间的海上距离，加快了贸易速度，降低了运输成本。在陆地上，铁路网络的建设彻底改变了货物和人员的运输。与马车或内河航运等传统陆路运输方式相比，火车具有更强的装载能力和更快的速度。这一变革在美国尤为显著，1869 年建成的横贯大陆铁路连接了东西海岸，为贸易和投资开辟了广阔的区域。贸易的加强导致运输成本大幅下降。更大的船只和更高效的铁路运输实现了规模经济，降低了货物运输成本。因此，产品可以在遥远的市场上以更具竞争力的价格出售，使国际商品更容易获得并增加了需求。此外，运输成本的降低也使生产商的原材料更加便宜，并使偏远地区能够融入全球经济，促进了以前无法获取的资源的出口。这对地方经济产生了深远的影响，开拓了新的市场，并在比较优势的基础上实现了区域专业化。因此，运输业的发展在早期全球化的动力中发挥了关键作用，使国际贸易不仅成为可能，而且有利可图。这一进程帮助编织了一个日益相互依存的全球经济网络，确定了未来几十年国际贸易的轨迹。
运输工具的空前发展有力地推动了第一次全球化的兴起。19 世纪，蒸汽动力的出现和运输基础设施的不断完善彻底改变了国际贸易。在海上运输革命中，建造了更快、更可靠的蒸汽船，取代了依赖风力的帆船。这导致贸易流量大幅稳定增长，因为货物现在可以更快、更远地运输。此外，1869 年苏伊士运河等水道的开通大大缩短了欧亚之间的海上距离，加快了贸易速度，降低了运输成本。在陆地上，铁路网络的建设彻底改变了货物和人员的运输。与马车或内河航运等传统陆路运输方式相比，火车具有更强的装载能力和更快的速度。这一变革在美国尤为显著，1869 年建成的横贯大陆铁路连接了东西海岸，为贸易和投资开辟了广阔的区域。贸易的加强导致运输成本大幅下降。更大的船只和更高效的铁路运输实现了规模经济，降低了货物运输成本。因此，产品可以在遥远的市场上以更具竞争力的价格出售，使国际商品更容易获得并增加了需求。此外，运输成本的降低也使生产商的原材料更加便宜，并使偏远地区能够融入全球经济，促进了以前无法获取的资源的出口。这对地方经济产生了深远的影响，开拓了新的市场，并在比较优势的基础上实现了区域专业化。因此，运输业的发展在早期全球化的动力中发挥了关键作用，使国际贸易不仅成为可能，而且有利可图。这一进程帮助编织了一个日益相互依存的全球经济网络，确定了未来几十年国际贸易的轨迹。
第一次全球化的另一个标志是移民潮的全球化，这是一种影响深远的人类动 力，伴随并加强了当时的经济和社会变革。国际移民规模庞大，数以百万计的人离开原籍国，到世界的新地方定居，他们往往是为了寻求更好的生活，逃离恶劣的环境，或者是受到工业革命和殖民帝国扩张所带来的经济机会的诱惑。技术的进步也促进了商品和服务贸易的发展。航运成本的降低使更多的人可以跨洋旅行。人口发生了大规模迁移，特别是从欧洲向北美、拉丁美洲、澳大利亚和新西兰迁移。殖民地政府和国家政府往往鼓励这些移民，以增加领土人口、发展农业和满足不断增长的经济对劳动力的需求。移民不仅通过工作为东道国的经济发展做出了贡献，还在技能、知识和文化的传播方面发挥了重要作用。这些人口流动所产生的移民社群成为国家之间的桥梁，促进了其他形式的交流，如贸易、投资甚至外交关系。与此同时，这些大规模的移民对东道国和原籍国的社会都产生了深远的影响。原籍国可能因人口流失而蒙受损失，但往往因汇款而受益。与此同时，这些新移民的到来改变了东道国的人口、文化和经济。因此，第一次全球化期间移民潮的全球化是帮助塑造现代世界、其经济和社会的一个重要现象。它是全球经济一体化的一个重要因素，拉近了各国人民之间的距离，形成了跨国联系，至今仍在影响着全球动态。
第一波全球化浪潮的特点不仅是贸易和人口流动的扩大，还有显著的金融全球化。19 世纪和 20 世纪初，以外国直接投资、贷款、债券和股票为形式的国际资金流动开始加强。跨境资金流动的增加与经济增长和工业化密切相关。发展中国家和正在经历快速工业化的国家需要大量资本为其扩张提供资金。与此同时，欧洲国家，尤其是英国，拥有过剩的资本，他们试图将这些资本投资到国外，以寻求更高的回报。这导致大量资本涌入，主要是铁路、港口和矿山等基础设施，也包括公用事业和金融业本身。金融领域的创新，如建立有组织的股票市场和扩大国际银行体系，促进了这些资本流动。欧洲银行在海外设立分行，并开始在国际贸易和投资融资方面发挥重要作用。金本位制是一种货币可按固定汇率兑换成黄金的货币制度，它所带来的相对稳定性也通过降低汇率风险鼓励了跨国投资。这种可兑换性增强了人们对国际金融交易的信心，促进了全球范围内的贸易和投资。然而，这种金融一体化并非没有风险。它使各国经济更加相互依存，因此更容易受到金融危机的影响。1873 年的金融恐慌和 1907 年的银行危机都是金融冲击从一国迅速蔓延到另一国的例子，表明了相互关联的金融体系的弊端。因此，金融全球化是第一次全球化的重要支柱，它不仅促进了全球财富的增长，也使世界经济变得更加复杂和相互依存。它为今天的全球金融体系奠定了基础，同时也凸显了与管理国际资本流动相关的挑战。
在早期全球化时期，欧洲在各国的合作中占据着核心和主导地位。这个时代通常被视为欧洲影响力的顶峰，当时欧洲大陆的帝国主义强国--英国、法国、德国和其他国家--将其经济、政治和文化影响力扩展到全球各地。欧洲资本、思想、技术和管理模式的输出塑造了各大洲的经济和社会。然而，欧洲统治时期的另一个特点是欧洲大陆内部缺乏统一。欧洲民族国家当时正处于宣示主权的阵痛期，充满了竞争和扩张欲望，这将不可避免地导致直接对抗。这种竞争转化为军备竞赛、联盟变化和一系列外交危机，最终导致了 1914 年第一次世界大战的爆发。这场战争是一个戏剧性的转折点，标志着欧洲霸权无人挑战时期的结束，并为新的力量平衡铺平了道路。与此同时，美国凭借其广袤的领土、丰富的自然资源和不断涌入的移民，开始彰显其崛起大国的地位。美国的经济实力不断增强，影响力开始扩展到境外，既是欧洲列强的竞争对手，也是它们的合作伙伴。二战期间，美国在国际舞台上扮演着重要角色，这一趋势在 20 世纪的两次世界冲突中变得更加稳固。因此，第一次全球化不仅是一个一体化和经济扩张的时期，也是一个充满矛盾和冲突的时期，在这一时期，国际合作与激烈的竞争并存，预示着下个世纪将重塑世界的重大地缘政治动荡。
交通革命是一种真正改变全球经济和社会动态的现象，其起源可以追溯到 18 世纪。用大型通航运河连接欧洲河流流域的举措是这场革命的第一个里程碑。运河对贸易和工业化至关重要，它降低了运输成本，缩短了运输时间，极大地促进了欧洲大陆的贸易。
运河使远距离运输煤炭、矿石和工业化所必需的其他原材料等大宗或重型货物成为可能，其成本远远低于传统的陆路运输方式。因此，运河在迄今为止与世隔绝地区的经济发展中发挥了至关重要的作用，并促进了国内市场的扩大。然而，随着铁路的出现，运输革命真正开始是在 19 世纪。蒸汽机车的发明和铁路的修建是改变游戏规则的决定性技术进步。火车速度更快，可以运载更重的货物，而且不受天然或人工水道的限制。铁路网络迅速扩张，将主要城市、工业中心甚至跨境地区连接起来。在陆上发展的同时，造船业也取得了进步，造出了更大、更安全、更快速的船只，能够装载更多货物横渡大洋。蒸汽机取代了风帆，消除了对风和洋流的依赖，使航行更有规律，更可预测。这些创新对国际贸易产生了催化作用，拉近了各大洲之间的距离，使经济全球化更加具体化。到 20 世纪之交，这些运输技术的进步缩小了世界的范围，打开了遥远的市场，促进了全球经济一体化，而这正是第一波全球化的特征。交通革命对社会的影响同样深远，它不仅促进了城市化和人口分布的变化，还使思想和创新得以在全球范围内更迅速地传播。
19 世纪铁路的兴起标志着交通基础设施现代化的决定性转折点，在工业革命和第一次全球化中发挥了关键作用。从 19 世纪 50 年代的英国和比利时开始，这一热潮在 19 世纪 60 年代迅速蔓延到法国，并在随后的几十年里扩展到整个欧洲大陆和其他地区。铁路带来了一系列前所未有的好处。铁路的速度大大缩短了旅行时间，将遥远的城镇和地区连接起来，促进了更加一体化的国家市场的出现。与当时的其他运输方式相比，铁路服务非常可靠，事故发生率极低，这增强了公众和企业对这种运输方式的信心。此外，蒸汽机车的动力使得运输煤炭等大量货物和旅客成为可能，从而巩固了规模经济，促进了贸易和工业化。到 1914 年，铁路已成为欧洲运输系统的核心，而有轨电车在大城市的出现则证明了城市交通的不断创新。这些电动有轨电车更适合在大都市狭窄拥挤的街道上行驶，提高了城市的流动性，在欧洲城市扩张和城市化进程中发挥了关键作用。第一次世界大战爆发之初，欧洲铁路网的发展水平只有后来的机动化交通创新才能超越。但在当时，铁路是连通性和效率的象征，它不仅促进了经济增长，还带来了对空间和时间的全新认识。它彻底改变了旅行、贸易甚至战争，成为日常生活中不可或缺的一部分，也是全球化的重要推动力。
交通网络的扩张，尤其是铁路的扩张，在很大程度上改变了 19 世纪人们对空间的认识和利用。等时区的概念定义了交通一小时内可到达的地理区域，是了解交通创新影响的重要工具。对于零售商而言，一小时等时线划定了覆盖区域，即潜在市场的范围。这意味着现在可以更快地覆盖更多人口，扩大商业和经济机会。从工人的角度来看，等时线扩大了就业机会的范围。如果一个人认为自己的工资不够高，那么现在就可以到一小时车程以外的公司寻找一份收入更高的工作，从而增加了雇主之间吸引劳动力的竞争。对于一个拥有 40 万居民的城市地区来说，这一点尤为重要，因为这里的就业选择越来越多。交通革命还带来了社会结构和人际关系的深刻变化。人们开始乘坐火车上班，这是早在十九世纪五十年代至七十年代就开始的伟大创举。流动性的增加导致了郊区的发展，因为工人们可以住在离工作地点相当远的地方，同时将通勤时间控制在最低限度。这种现象使得家庭与工作地点之间有了一定的距离，使家庭能够选择远离工业区的喧嚣和污染的居住环境，同时还能从工业区提供的经济优势中获益。这场交通革命的影响不仅限于经济和工作，它还改变了社会生活。休闲旅行变得更加普遍，探亲访友变得更加频繁，社会和文化活动变得更加方便，这使得许多欧洲人的生活经历变得更加丰富和多样化。总之，交通革命是开辟空间、扩大可能性、重新定义个人和集体人际关系的重要推动力。
蒸汽船彻底改变了 19 世纪的海上运输，颠覆了人员和货物跨越大洋的速度和效率。其中最重要的变革是将横渡大西洋所需的时间缩短了一半，从 30 天左右缩短到 15 天。这使得跨大西洋旅行更加方便，促进了国际贸易和人员流动的蓬勃发展。第一批蒸汽船使用的是桨轮，这种技术虽然与航海技术相比具有革命性，但也有其局限性。在波涛汹涌的海面上，桨轮的效率较低，而且可能被大浪损坏。此外，它们占用了船舷的大量空间，限制了装载能力。螺旋桨（或阿基米德螺旋）的出现是一项重大突破。由于螺旋桨完全浸没在水中，因此可以更好地抵御风浪，减少在水中前行的阻力，使船只行驶得更快，燃料消耗更经济。螺旋桨还能更好地控制和操纵船只，这在拥挤的港口和繁忙的航道上至关重要。这些技术改进，加上建造更大、更坚固的金属船只，开创了大规模航运时代。蒸汽船在大英帝国的扩张中发挥了关键作用，对于维持英国与其世界各地殖民地之间的通信和贸易线路至关重要。此外，蒸汽船还促进了向美洲（尤其是美国）的大规模移民，许多欧洲人在那里寻求新的经济机会和更好的生活，推动了当时的全球化浪潮和人口流动。
从航海到蒸汽航行的转变标志着全球化历史上的一个里程碑，它使海上运输变得更加安全和快捷。蒸汽船的出现为海上旅行带来了前所未有的可预测性。帆船受气候变化无常的影响，会因恶劣的天气条件而出现重大延误，而蒸汽轮船则能够保持更有规律的时间表。定期性和速度的提高产生了深远的影响，尤其是对移民。希望移居国外的人们知道他们可以指望更准确的抵达日期，从而更容易安排他们离开和抵达新的国家。这推动了大规模的移民潮，尤其是移民到新大陆，那里的自由、机遇和繁荣吸引了许多欧洲人。在商业方面，蒸汽航海使建立快速、可靠的海上通道成为可能，这对国际贸易的发展至关重要。货物交付时可以更加确定到达日期，从而降低了贸易商的风险，提高了库存管理的效率。由于运输路线缓慢且不确定，大米等农产品以前在欧洲被认为是外来品或价格昂贵，现在则变得更容易获得且价格更低。因此，欧洲食品的多样化是这一创新带来的众多实实在在的好处之一。旅行可靠性的提高也对商业和金融界产生了影响，使交易和信息交流更加快捷。船运公司能够制定固定的船期，由于航海风险高而一度极为昂贵的海上保险也变得更加经济实惠。蒸汽船革命是全球化的一个关键因素，它促进了贸易、文化交流和人口流动，其规模前所未有，拉近了世界不同地区之间的距离，深刻影响了当代和未来社会。此外，运输成本也将大幅下降。
1859 年，跨大西洋电报电缆的铺设标志着全球化进程加速的另一个重要里程碑，这一壮举通过近乎瞬时的通信，以前所未有的方式将欧洲大陆和美洲大陆连接起来。电报电缆实现了信息的远距离快速传输，彻底改变了国际通信，并对金融市场产生了特别大的影响。在这项创新之前，新闻以船只的速度漂洋过海，需要数周时间才能到达目的地。因此，金融信息往往在收到时已经过时，使得股市投机和投资决策风险极大。即时通信改变了这一切，使股市能够对经济、政治和商业发展做出实时反应。这一突破影响深远。金融交易和投资决策第一次可以在不同的大洲同步进行。其结果是，经济相互依存性和市场波动性大大增强。现在，信息的流通只需几分钟，世界市场就可能发生连锁反应。纽约股市的恐慌会立即给伦敦和巴黎的投资者带来不确定性，导致大量股票抛售和市场下跌。然而，这种互联互通也有积极的一面。它通过促进及时可靠的金融信息传播，提高了透明度，改善了公司治理。投资者现在可以获得最新的数据，从而营造了一个更加知情和充满活力的商业环境。此外，电报还产生了重大的文化和社会影响，因为来自世界各地的新闻几乎可以在瞬间分享。政治事件、科学发现甚至琐事都可以迅速传递给国际受众，从而促进了人们对相互联系的全球社会的认识。因此，这一技术创新是为二十世纪铺平道路的因素之一，二十世纪的特点是全球经济一体化和快速发展的信息文化，这已成为当代社会的常态。
从 19 世纪中叶到第一次世界大战爆发的第一个全球化时期是现代世界形成的关键时期。这一时期技术进步显著，经济和社会结构动荡不安。物质和经济疆界的逐渐消亡，加上市场一体化的不平衡，导致了一个前所未有的增长和紧张的时代。欧洲是这一动态的核心，尽管内部分裂最终导致其在战争中部分自我毁灭，但欧洲仍发挥了主导作用。
保护主义的减少、交通的改善和即时通信彻底改变了国际范围内的交流和互动，促进了国家间日益增长的相互依存关系。大规模移民、资本流动以及商品和思想交流不仅加强了国家经济，还将全世界人民的命运交织在一起，预示着当今全球经济的复杂性。
当美国的崛起开始重塑全球力量平衡时，欧洲却陷入了战争的动荡，凸显了相互关联体系的脆弱性。这段历史时期所提出的问题始终具有现实意义，即各国如何才能在管理国际竞争与合作中不可避免地产生的不平等和紧张局势的同时，共同努力实现共同繁荣。
归根结底，第一次全球化的经验教训对于理解我们全球化时代的挑战和机遇仍然至关重要。它们告诉我们创新和适应能力的重要性，同时也警示我们在一个日益相互依存的世界中可能出现的冲突和不团结的风险。