In what ways does the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 change America? What lasting inventions and ideas did it introduce into American culture? What important figures were critically influenced by the Fair?
The influence that the Chicago World’s Fair may not seem great at surface value, based on the fact that many Americans remain oblivious to the grand event held in 1893. However, it impacted America far more than first perceived. The World’s Fair changed America’s view of the world, and vice versa. This was America’s attempt to show the world it had the potential to be a leading power. The many exotic, fascinating, and exciting events and exhibits at the fair introduced Americans to the many different cultures of the world.
The construction of the fair was a huge obstacle and the way it was overcome was quite amazing for the time. The wood frames of the buildings were put up first, and then in an effort to save time, they were spray painted. No longer did individuals have to paint with brushes. This quick and easy way of using hoses to spray the paint onto the building surfaces quickened the painting process. Francis Millet was credited with this new technique of painting, and in the end, his “spray painting” idea was a huge part of getting the fair up and running on time. Another huge part of the pre-fair process was the electricity. Upon further investigation I found that Nikola Tesla, the Serbian inventor/mechanical engineer, along with the Westinghouse Company was picked to power the fair, over American inventor Thomas Edison. Tesla’s cost of powering the fair came at a much cheaper price than Edison’s. Edison, mad at losing the deal, did not allow Westinghouse or Tesla to use his bulbs. Instead Westinghouse came up with their own bulbs that were more efficient than Edison’s. The Chicago World’s Fair ended up being the brightest event on earth in 1893, thanks to Tesla and the Westinghouse Co. This “electricity race” if you will, led to a brighter future for America, as electrically powered light bulbs became a strong contender for household lighting. Phosphorescent bulbs came about as a result of Tesla’s involvement in the lighting of the fair. A few other notable inventions came about in the forms of food. Cracker Jacks were first introduced at the fair, along with other traditional modern American foods. Juicy Fruit gum, Quaker Oats, and Shredded Wheat are just a few. Perhaps the most influential and iconic invention at the fair was the Ferris wheel. This engineering marvel was designed to rival the Eiffel tower, and definitely succeeded at this job. It has become an icon at many American fairs, however all those are miniature versions. The original was designed to fit 40 people into each car.
The Fair managed to impact Walt Disney, who drew from the fair’s magnificent scenery to help him design his theme parks. L. Frank Baulm’s Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz was his recreation of the White City. The Fair showed the world the magic of its individual countries and cultures, and discreetly boosted America to a position of power, by stimulating the economy, and gaining the nation some respect.
