Globular cluster evolution is studied, modeling relaxation and energy exchange between the
stars. A comprehensive survey is presented of Galactic globular cluster evolution until core
collapse. Mass loss during the first five billion years is sufficiently strong to disrupt weakly
bound clusters with a Salpeter initial mass function (IMF). The slope of the IMF is the critical
parameter governing cluster survival during the mass-loss phase. Cluster which survive this
initial phase then begin to collapse. Those with smaller mass and/or smaller Galactocentric�…