Throughout the semester we have focused on the transformation of cities as both a social, and cultural environment where people of all classes and ethnicities can come together. The Columbian World's Fair located in Chicago, Illinois 1893 emphasizes this idea that the city is not only a place of work, but also a place of leisure and a place that people of all identities can come together. The purpose of the exposition was to bring the art and industry of all nations around the world together in one place. In the summer of 1893 Chicago was transformed and from May to October the city served as a place for all of America to visit. In analyzing the Columbian Exposition I will focus on the power of the cities and how over time they have transformed
…show more content…
In my analysis of the Chicago World Fair I will focus on three distinct areas that display the impact of this cultural phenomenon. First, the World Fair shows the diversity and separation between the ‘white city” and the “midway”. The White city represented order and mystique with its white marble and color coded walls, whereas the midway represents cultural diversity through its different attractions. The Chicago World fair can be viewed as a smaller city or town within Chicago and the arrangements and locations of each building at the Fair represents the order and control that modern cities attempt to follow. Additionally, I will focus on the organization and arrangement of the city and the role it played in the overall presentation of the Fair. The city of Chicago was able to construct and break down an architectural feet in a matter of six months and how this shows the advancement of technology in the modern age. And lastly, I will close on the lasting impact that the Fair has had on the social and cultural environment in modern cities …show more content…
Like any major city, Chicago faced its hardships in 1871 when the city was burnt down by a fire that killed over 300 people, and left more than 100,000 homeless. Despite this, the city was able to recover, and with the help of major city officials and promoters who gained knowledge of defense against fire outbreak and city organization from major metropolitan cities like New York and Philadelphia, Chicago was able to rebuild its city stronger than ever. Chicago’s completion of the canal and railroad system, both of which developed following the “great fire”, played a key role in its development as the most important city in the Midwest. Nearing the end of the 19th century, Chicago had felt an urge to express its civil authority through interest in hosting the 1893 World fair. Chicago’s bid for the 1893 World Fair was predicated on two major points. First that the city of Chicago would gain recognition and respect from the other cities across the nation. Secondly, was the goal to outshine the Exposition held in Paris in 1889 in showing America’s superiority as a major power in the world. Following the interest shown by Chicago the state pledged some $10 million dollars which proved the cities serious commitment along with its ability to represent a large number of midwestern cities, that eventually brought around the Senators to shift in Chicago's favor in
In my analysis of the Chicago World Fair I will focus on three distinct areas that display the impact of this cultural phenomenon. First, the World Fair shows the diversity and separation between the ‘white city” and the “midway”. The White city represented order and mystique with its white marble and color coded walls, whereas the midway represents cultural diversity through its different attractions. The Chicago World fair can be viewed as a smaller city or town within Chicago and the arrangements and locations of each building at the Fair represents the order and control that modern cities attempt to follow. Additionally, I will focus on the organization and arrangement of the city and the role it played in the overall presentation of the Fair. The city of Chicago was able to construct and break down an architectural feet in a matter of six months and how this shows the advancement of technology in the modern age. And lastly, I will close on the lasting impact that the Fair has had on the social and cultural environment in modern cities …show more content…
Like any major city, Chicago faced its hardships in 1871 when the city was burnt down by a fire that killed over 300 people, and left more than 100,000 homeless. Despite this, the city was able to recover, and with the help of major city officials and promoters who gained knowledge of defense against fire outbreak and city organization from major metropolitan cities like New York and Philadelphia, Chicago was able to rebuild its city stronger than ever. Chicago’s completion of the canal and railroad system, both of which developed following the “great fire”, played a key role in its development as the most important city in the Midwest. Nearing the end of the 19th century, Chicago had felt an urge to express its civil authority through interest in hosting the 1893 World fair. Chicago’s bid for the 1893 World Fair was predicated on two major points. First that the city of Chicago would gain recognition and respect from the other cities across the nation. Secondly, was the goal to outshine the Exposition held in Paris in 1889 in showing America’s superiority as a major power in the world. Following the interest shown by Chicago the state pledged some $10 million dollars which proved the cities serious commitment along with its ability to represent a large number of midwestern cities, that eventually brought around the Senators to shift in Chicago's favor in