Expositions like the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago are also referred to as Universal Expositions or World Fairs. These expositions began in Paris as The French Industrial Exposition. Throughout the years the Expositions have transitioned from Industrialization, Cultural Exchange, and Nation Branding. Expositions around the world link people of all walks of life together for entertainment, education, and end as a way to boost the economy.
The first World Exposition in London began with Prince Albert and Henry Cole. The two used this exposition like so many others to show off new skills and how well their city was coming along with industrialization. These fairs were meant to bring people to the city and help create new landmarks for the place they were located.
From 1851-1938 World Expositions around Industrialization included:
From 1939-1987 the World Expositions transitioned into being about Cultural Exchange. In 1939 New York would be the beginning of this transition. The Expositions would move to having themes like "Building the World of Tomorrow", "Peace through Understanding", and "Man and His World." The 1967 Exposition in Montreal "Man and His World" would lead to the Montreal Major League Baseball teams name 'Expos.'
Since 1988 World Expositions have become about 'Nation Branding.' The expositions turned into not only a way to improve the economy or beautify a city but a way to brand the city national. These expositions became a stepping stone for people to use their city for political gain as well as branding the nation they were located in. (Björner, 2010)
No matter the reason for the expositions each year on thing remains true for each exposition, they were created to bring people from all walks of like together. Although the host did not always succeed fairs were meant for everyone to see how their city and the world around them was growing at record speed.
The first World Exposition in London began with Prince Albert and Henry Cole. The two used this exposition like so many others to show off new skills and how well their city was coming along with industrialization. These fairs were meant to bring people to the city and help create new landmarks for the place they were located.
From 1851-1938 World Expositions around Industrialization included:
- 1851 London
- 1853 New York
- 1862 London
- 1876 Philadelphia
- 1889 Paris
- 1893 Chicago
- 1900 Paris
- 1901 Buffalo
- 1904 St. Louis
- 1915 San Francisco
- 1933-1934 Chicago
From 1939-1987 the World Expositions transitioned into being about Cultural Exchange. In 1939 New York would be the beginning of this transition. The Expositions would move to having themes like "Building the World of Tomorrow", "Peace through Understanding", and "Man and His World." The 1967 Exposition in Montreal "Man and His World" would lead to the Montreal Major League Baseball teams name 'Expos.'
Since 1988 World Expositions have become about 'Nation Branding.' The expositions turned into not only a way to improve the economy or beautify a city but a way to brand the city national. These expositions became a stepping stone for people to use their city for political gain as well as branding the nation they were located in. (Björner, 2010)
No matter the reason for the expositions each year on thing remains true for each exposition, they were created to bring people from all walks of like together. Although the host did not always succeed fairs were meant for everyone to see how their city and the world around them was growing at record speed.