The document discusses the history of global trade and economic development from the 16th century onward. It notes that European sailors finding sea routes to Asia and America in the 16th century helped shrink the pre-modern world and expand trade networks. This included the Spanish and Portuguese conquering parts of America and accessing precious metals. It led to thousands of Europeans migrating to America and the use of African slave labor in the Americas. By the late 19th century, European powers had largely carved up Africa for its natural resources. The document then discusses several topics related to the global economy and trade in the early 20th century.