The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 displayed the extravagance found in all corners of the globe to some twenty-eight million visitors in six months time. Each country in attendance aimed to amaze visitors, displaying attributes of their culture, both old and new. The World’s Fair is a time for global connection and an opportunity to display technological advancement; the Chicago Fair came with an undertone of competition which served as a precursor to the nationalism and resulting disputes of the 20th Century. The display of innovation and competitive nature of the Fair was considered the first event of the 20th Century, and paved the road for exponential technological growth and innovation for the following century.
The ability to harness nature for energy generation and production was on full display at the World’s Fair. From the vast array of lights lining the White City to the Midway displays, countries were itching to show their innovative abilities and “one-up” the next. The Fair was the first time that countries could display their dominance over others in a collective environment; intimidation was full throttle as the 19th Century came to a close. Most notable was the Krupp firearm building built by Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. The building consisted of artillery cannons, guns, and military materials that were far beyond their time. The intimidation factor of this German display was evident, it was as if Germany intended to send their subordinates a message of power and progress. The Germans had made great strides in military technology; harnessing energy and nature to increase production and develop new technologies.
America had their own swagger about them, however. The massive city was theorized, and constructed in just under three years, a seemingly unmanageable feat proved feasible by the Americans. The sheer size, beauty, and extravagance provided a mirage of productivity in America; it seemed that Germany was not the only world player that would enter the new century with high hopes of innovation. The egos of Germany, America, and many other countries whom were present at the fair would largely create environment of competition, achievement, and advancement in the 20th Century. As a result of their abilities to increase power through mobilizing man power and harnessing more efficient usages of nature, new world leaders emerged and proved to be a pinnacle piece of 20th Century global affairs.