The Devil In The White City Blog 3

Erik Larson, in his book titled, “The Devil in the White City” describes the creation of a World Fair would take place in Chicago. This is not just any old fair though, this fair changed America and its culture through many outlets. In 1893 the Chicago World Fair was opened and was expected to out do the previous fair put on in Paris. There was a lot of struggle in the construction of the fair and even during the fair in Chicago, but we cannot deny that it greatly impacted and changed America. Exhibits were spread through out Jackson Park, and each one unique and different. Different places from around the world set up exhibits with their food, their clothes, and their cultures. In addition, different businesses and groups participated in this World Fair hosted by Chicago. With all of the different things to see at the fair, Americans, who traveled from all over the country to this event, learned a lot. Coming to the World Fair in Chicago, was very similar to taking a trip around the world and experiencing the culture of other places in addition to new products of our own culture. Not only was America changed due to the new things that were learned at the fair, but also as a result of the inventions and ideas that were introduced at this particular event. Items like Cracker Jacks, Aunt Jemima pancake mix, Juicy Fruit Gum, and the Ferris Wheel were introduced at the Chicago World Fair. By these select items being introduced at the fair, America was defiantly changed and proof is available. The proof is that all of these items are still present and commonly used amongst Americans today. Some of these items were the first of their kind, and this alone revolutionized and influenced the industries they were in. Once these products and ideas were out, the individual industries probably boomed. There not only several flavors of Juicy Fruit nowadays, but there are also several different brands of chewing gum in different flavors. In addition, the visitors at the Chicago World Fair were probably greatly influenced by the celebrities of the time, who attended. The important people, who visited, include: Thomas Edison, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, and Mark Twain. Having these peoples presence in the fair, illustrated the importance of the fair. Thomas Edison even created a beautiful display of lights that everyone admired. People probably assumed that if these famous and very influential people attended the Chicago World Fair, that this fair was pretty important. With all of the ideas, inventions, famous and or important people, and entrepreneurs who attended or participated, America was greatly influenced by their presence. Many things we have today, evolved from something made in the past. With those things created they changed America forever and they opened up door to new ideas and products that would then change American culture, and the Chicago World Fair in 1893 changed America in plenty of positive ways.