Final answer:
The drastic reduction in travel time from the USA to Europe from two months by boat to less than five hours by airplane exemplifies the effects of globalization and advancements in transportation technology, demonstrating the impact of improved transport networks and international trade agreements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transition from a journey taking up to two months by boat from the USA to Europe, to the same trip taking less than five hours by airplane is a perfect example of the effects of globalization and technological advancement in transportation. Historically, the expansion of transportation networks, including roads, canals, and railroads, had a transformative impact on society, reducing travel times and reshaping economic activities. In the modern era, advancements in shipping, air cargo, and telecommunications have further accelerated this process, leading to reduced transportation costs, more efficient long-distance economic connections, and greater access to information.
Moreover, the adoption of international agreements and treaties has encouraged an increase in global trade, while technological innovations have made it feasible to share services and products like software, financial advice, and entertainment across vast distances with ease. Although technology has the potential to drastically reduce travel times, as with the case of the supersonic Concorde, economic factors and consumer affordability have to be considered, indicating that not all technological advancements lead to sustainable changes in transportation.