The Chicago Fair's Lasting Impression 6/1

The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 had a very strong and lasting impression on America. One of the most important lasting impressions was changing how Americans viewed their cities and architects during that time period. Before the fair was built, the city of Chicago was described to be filled with disease, industrial environments, and unbearable noises. Overall the city was very stressful and dangerous for many citizens. The construction of the Chicago Fair transformed American perception towards their cities and architects. The architects of the Columbian Exposition focused on beauty and symbolism in their structures. Boats added to the Romantic feeling of the White City. Also the first aquarium was displayed at the fair. People realized that fish was not just food, but also magnificent and beautiful creatures. Furthermore, the fair explored very diverse worlds with food and music. At the fair there were wide varieties of food and drink, from Ireland, Germany, and Japan. People could buy wine from almost all the wine making companies in the world. Cigars and clean spring water were also sold. Since the fair brought diverse worlds together, it resulted in American understanding of diversity and brought them closer to achieving a lasting peace. The perception that Chicago was a filthy and industrial city was greatly altered thanks to the fair. The architects intended for the fair to be a relaxing and beautiful place for its visitors. The magnitude of effort and determination put into the construction of the Chicago Fair showed the world that almost anything is achievable if one has enough motivation to continue.

            The fair introduced many inventions that became incorporated into American culture. The Ferris wheel, created by Mr. Ferris, practically represents what a fair is today. Even if the fair is a small city event, the wheel is still used in the contemporary society to symbolize the success of the architectures of the Columbian Exposition. The tall, gigantic, and reinforced structure of the Chicago Fair’s Ferris wheel was truly a terrific accomplishment. Also, products such as Cracker Jack and Wrigley’s Gum were huge business partners in the Chicago Fair. However, gum and snacks were not new inventions, their new revolutionary advertising techniques defines the market of America today. Furthermore, the invention of the dishwasher revolutionized the sanitation concept and reduced the time it took to wash dishes. These new inventions in the fair were created to improve the lives of the American people.

            Many historical figures were influenced by the building of the fair. The famous Walt Disney was inspired to create fantasies of magic from stories of the fair. Walt’s father, Elias, told him about magical stories of the building of the fair. The impossible task of completing the construction by the time of the deadline, and the conflicts the architects faced with the structures was truly a test of will. The determination of the architects and miracle they experienced by finishing the fair is truly evident in the movies, television shows, and books, the famous Walt Disney created.