Ritual bloodletting was crucial to maya rituals because

it was associated with rain and agriculture

explanation:

At that time, the Mayan civilization held a belief that offerings through bloodletting ritual will make the Gods look at them in their favor and reward them with good weather for their agriculture (enough rain, warm temperature). In their perception, They did it to ensure that their people could survive food shortage.

recent improvements in technology/telecommunication/internet have increased the pace of globalization.

explanation:

recent improvements in technology have enhanced the pace of globalization. it is not difficult to recognize that technology has created the human race one big issue. there are several aspects to technology but they all serve to meet us the further. i can beat and be friends with a fellow, thousands of miles away. technology has also bridged the knowledge gap and has presented for the ready transfer of ideas and values.