The Origin of Globalization Globalization refers to the increasing intensity of trade and other forms of relations between different countries and continents. Currently, people are living in a constantly changing environment that is becoming more interconnected. As such, the process refers to various forms of changes other than the increase in import and export businesses. It is essential that an individual establishes the origin of globalization in order to appreciate the term; however, the process is difficult due to several notions of when the process began (Rebt, 2008). According to reputable sources, Columbus’ trip to the American continents (late 1400s) is established as the earliest momentous step in globalization. In addition, a trade route from Europe to Asia was initiated by Vasco de Gama at nearly the same period. This resulted in the creation of strong trade routes that opened up communication fronts between several countries and different continents. Over the centuries, globalization strengthened, and its speedy climb continued through the 18 th century into the industrial revolution. The effect of globalization became so powerful that several weak countries started adopting ideas from the advanced nations (Rebt, 2008). In the long run, the whole world went through the process of globalization, which is referred to as westernization. Westernization resulted in various advantages such as the development and use of steam powered locomotives for faster movements. These developments, therefore, enabled the faster movement of products and persons over lengthier distances than during the earlier times. The constant sharing of ideas resulted in improved technology such as the internet, mobile communication, air travel, satellites and several others that have taken the world’s interconnectedness to another level (Rebt, 2008). As a result, these discoveries have created a platform for fast transfer of information and products; hence, enabling an effective worldwide association, outsourcing and immigration. The Main Features of Globalization One characteristic of globalization is the action that different individuals and organizations make investments in nations other than their local nations (Agrawala, 2010). The idea tells that there exists an unrestricted access within the global markets, and without physical, fiscal, or other limits set by the government. As a result, global customers emerge searching for high-end products and value for their money without being exposed to any regional restrictions. In addition, large manufacturing plants search and purchase their raw materials from various parts of the world. Consequently, the resultant products are sold within the country of production or exported to all other parts of the world without bias. Additionally, globalization needs various resources such as finance, technology, and raw materials in order to grow into another level. In that sense, globalization is characterized by the easy and cheap access to finance, latest technology, and quality raw materials. Also, the process of globalization involves the production of sub-assemblies of finalized goods within several country-branches, which are owned by the concerned organization (Agrawal