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Introduction!
The things that made nations want to host world fairs during the 19th and 20th centuries: 1) Showing their country's advancements in technology which was fueled by growing industrialization. 2) Highlighting the host nation's culture and image compared to other powerful nations in an increasingly interconnected world 3) Boosting tourism and generating profit and to spend on scientific and artistic development within the host nation. -
First World Fair: London, England!
Prince Albert wanted the world fair to be open to many nations and educate people on the advancements of industrialization. In highly classist victorian England the expo soon became a place for all the classes to gather and observe, with shilling days lowering the price of tickets. One marvel shown was the first public flush toilets. Like all later fairs, new buildings were constructed for it. The exposition was an investment to later spend on increasing education in the sciences and arts. -
Second World Fair: Paris, France!
Napoleon wanted to outdo the British fair in size and scope. This fair included agriculture, industry, and all arts. This fair began a trend between England and France of trying to outdo the other's fair. The world fairs were about showcasing the host country's accomplishment and part of that was also to be better than other states. This fair displayed the planned transatlantic telegraph, the first lawnmower, and a washing machine showcases the expo's change to daily life. -
Sixth World Fair: Philadelphia, US!
This fair was America's assertion of equality to Europe, and its theme was art and production related to soil and mining. This fair inspired all later fairs to have more than one center building. This fair showed America's technical innovations with extensive railroads, first displays of telephone and telegraph and typewriter. Continuing the trend of increasing education at this fair the American librarian association formed, and the art building was later converted into a children's museum. -
The 11th fair, Chicago, US!
This was the second most visited fair of the 1800s, with the theme being 4th centenary of discovering America. This fair celebrated American culture and achievements. This fair showcased electricity which most Americans didn't have, the first kinetoscope, elevated railroad, ferris wheel. It was the first fair to have a woman's center that was built and run by women. The fair engaged with Americans' fascination with other races, and the popularity of the Midway Plaisance added entertainment. -
14th Fair in St. Louis, US!
This fair celebrated the Centennial of the Louisiana Purchase, and is in top three largest fairs hosted. It included an amusement section and an international section with pavilions modeled after each country's famous attractions. It was known for architecture that showed state pride like Texas's, and the festival hall had the world's largest dome at the time. The fair showed off human progress with automobiles, wireless technology, and aeronautics (airships, planes, and gliding machines) -
19th fair, San Fransisco, US!
The fair showcased U.S. solidarity and greatness in response to the city's devastating 1906 earthquake and in celebration of the Panama Canal. In addition to international pavilions there were 29 state pavilions. It was the first fair to include lighting, a first transcontinental phone call, and the Liberty Bell. Like Chicago the fun part of the fair was the amusement park. A major attraction was a topographical map of the Panama Canal spanning two hectares spanning map of the panama canal. -
Conclusion!
The American world fairs promoted the American spirit in two ways: by displayingAmerica's industrial and artistic accomplishments, and by creating amusement and wonder in the fair's visitors. The American fairs always showcased technological advancements, but as more fairs were hosted displays of pleasure and fun increased. However, the original purpose of the fairs- to demonstrate national grandeur and future success- remained. -