This document provides a historical overview of globalization from ancient times to the post-World War II era. It discusses how trade routes like the Silk Road connected East and West as early as the 17th century. It also notes how foods like potatoes and soybeans were introduced to new regions after Columbus. Major events that transformed the global economy included European conquests in the 16th century, the 19th century rise of global trade and capital flows, the two World Wars which industrialized warfare and reshaped credit systems, and the post-War efforts to establish international economic cooperation through the IMF and World Bank. Decolonization in the mid-20th century saw newly independent nations demand greater control over their natural resources.