How the World Fair Changed America

The world fair in Chicago that was held in 1893 changed America in many ways. The influence of the Exposition extended beyond the confines of the World's Fairs. Trends which originated in Chicago in 1893 and many of the ideas advanced there have shaped the very landscape of modern America. Its legacy is wide-ranging, from movements in popular and high culture to changes in the nation's power structure and the lasting influence of commerce and technology. The fair brought new culture to America. It opened up a more diverse setting in America, and shaped what America has become today. This association of fun with consumption was an unintended but pleasant consequence for the Fair's management. They originally intended to increase American pride during times of trouble by celebrating American goods--which would, in turn, increase Americans' confidence in the business system. The Fair helped change Americans' reactions to technology. It became the vehicle for the hopes and dreams of Americans, as they saw in it a reflection of their own progressive nature and bright future. Many new inventions were started at the world fair, including Cracker Jacks,chocolate bars, pay toilets, zippers, beef bouillon, and of course the Ferris wheel. Probably the most long-lasting innovation was electricity. Outside of that, the idea for amusement parks was undoubtedly born here (Walt Disney's dad worked at the fair). This Fair was a tribute to American architecture and engineering, as well as the ethic of hard work and perseverance--they did build this in Chicago...on the edge of a lake...in part during winter. No one thought they could top the previous World's Fair in Paris, but they did. Many figures involved with the fair affected it and were critically influenced by it. Architects including, Frank Lloyd Wright, Burham and Root, and all of the other architects in charge of the architecture and amazingly significant displays of technology at the Chicago World's Fair. Those influenced directly by the fair were acts such of Buffalo Bill Cody, Thomas Edison, Susan B. Anthony, all of these people were influenced by the fair in ways that made their ideals available to the public. This Fair allowed them to become well known and popular. Not only were the Fair's acts influenced but also citizens and tourists that visited the fair. These people, first hand, saw the attractions, bought the goods, and saw, right before their eyes, America change. It was shocking, real, and irreversible. Right at their fingertips; these tourists could see new and unique inventions and gained incredible want for new products, gaining the fair proceeds and stimulating the American economy. The Fair was notable not only for what it included, but also for what it excluded. Contemporary assumptions about race and ethnicity were given apparent scientific credibility at World’s Fair exhibits which reinforced society’s prejudice. The racist assumptions of the day were reflected at the 1893 fair and the exposition’s vision of the future foresaw no enlightened behavior on behalf of society. Fortunately, America eventually rejected this prejudiced view of society and the turn-of-the-century fairs look more like time capsules of the past rather than vanguards of the future.