History
Give two examples where modern development that is associated with progress has led to problems. You may like to think of areas related to environmental issues, nuclear weapons or disease.
Answer
Modern development has pros as well as cons. New innovations made life easier but they also have numerous drawbacks. Two such examples are:
- Environmental degradation — Industrial activities released pollutants into the air, water, and soil, contributing to issues such as air pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change. The exploitation of natural resources and the emission of greenhouse gases have resulted in long-term consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and overall planetary health.
- Nuclear weapons — The use of nuclear weapons, as witnessed in historical events like the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, showcased the devastating impact on human populations and the environment. So, even though we might think of these weapons as protecting us, they also bring a big risk of causing serious harm to our world.
Related Questions
The way in which historians focus on industrialisation rather than on small workshops is a good example of how what we believe today about the past is influenced by what historians choose to notice and what they ignore. Note down one event or aspect of your own life which adults such as your parents or teachers may think is unimportant, but which you believe to be important.
Look at Figs. 4 and 5. Can you see any difference in the way the two images show industrialisation? Explain your view briefly.
Imagine that you are a merchant writing back to a salesman who has been trying to persuade you to buy a new machine. Explain in your letter what you have heard and why you do not wish to invest in the new technology.
On a map of Asia, find and draw the sea and land links of the textile trade from India to Central Asia, West Asia and Southeast Asia.