Thursday, June 16, 2016

Was the World's Colombian Exposition of 1893 a more or less significant event in international history than the Exposition Universelle?

Both the World's Columbian Exposition and the Exposition Universelle were major events that showcased the period of industrialization in the late nineteenth century. World's fairs in this period were often very public ways to showcase inventions, cultural achievements, and history. There were a variety of attractions and well-known personas who attended them, and whether one is of greater import than the other could depend on what is considered more significant in world history. Arguments could be made for either side, but it might be most helpful to break down these achievements into types. Overall, I would lean toward the Columbian Exposition being more important; however, in terms of art in particular, Paris seems more relevant.
IN TERMS OF ECONOMY, INVENTION, AND THINGS THAT ARE NOW EVERYDAY NORMS
The 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago still has quite a legacy today. There were many fun attractions, including the Cypress Log Cabin (hardly a groundbreaking new idea, but fun for visitors nonetheless), new inventions such as the first Ferris wheel, and squashed pennies (not a historical game changer either, but still a first). Major developments that were introduced to the world through the fair included a machine for Braille publishing (Helen Keller was there for its presentation to the public), moving walkways, the precursor to the zipper, a prototype for aerosol sprays, electric kitchen appliances (including the dishwasher), new forms of lamps, and the third rail for trains. These items are still familiar (or evolved into common objects today), and many have had an effect on modern lives and the economy. Electrical power was also running the show. Though electricity had become fairly widespread beforehand, the choice of Westinghouse to power the fair ended a long debate over DC and AC, further influencing how we utilize electricity. Major inventors, including rivals Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, showcased some of their most famous inventions.
The 1900 Exposition Universelle a few years later introduced further achievements. Little but beloved items like the matryoshka doll made an appearance, but so too did the first talking films, escalators, and the original diesel engine. Once again, these were massively influential items. Electricity, steam power, and extravagant machinery powered the fair and were themselves popular attractions.
INFLUENCE ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS
In Chicago, American culture and advancements were certainly at the forefront, perhaps more so than with similar events. This is unsurprising but still relevant, as the United States was becoming increasingly established as a notable player in a variety of areas. American musicians included Scott Joplin (the king of ragtime) and John Philip Sousa. Dvorak, Mussorgsky, and other musical acts were also shown to a large international audience. Visual artists including Mary Cassatt, Edward Moran, and Gary Melchers also displayed work. Perhaps the biggest impact was on architecture. A few newer American styles made an appearance, such as the Arts & Crafts style, which would become very popular for American homes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The architectural displays that had the most international influence were those that focused on city planning. Despite many brand-new buildings at the fair being designed for temporary use, the use of space and "city" feeling impressed many visitors and created a new focus on urban beautification and more advanced city planning.
In Paris, the focus was more international in nature, but it particularly featured France’s power in the arts. The fair featured remarkable architecture (particularly the new styles of Art Nouveau and Neo-Baroque). Different countries created their own pavilions, spreading their culture among the guests, and there were also many colonial exhibitions. Art Nouveau did appear prior to the 1900 Exposition, but at this particular World’s Fair it made a lasting impression. The style is one of the most influential and recognizable artistic movements in illustration, architecture, and painting, and also one example of when Western artists drew influence from other cultural aesthetics. The interest of Western artists in non-Western traditions would continue long after the event was over.
https://chicagology.com/columbiaexpo/fairfirsts/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/worlds-fair-relics-paris

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/51562/11-vintage-photos-1893-worlds-columbian-exposition

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