Glory And Dream

Exposition is not only an economical and cultural event, but also a social and historical event. From the historical view, expositions, especially those momentous historic and commemorate expositions, are no doubt enormously long-lasting events.America hosted the Centennial Exposition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America and exhibit resplendent achievements accomplished in the past 100 years, also to dispel the disappointment of the public as well as the grief resulted from the Civil War and rebuild the confidence and solidarity of American. In the year of 1876, although the Reconstruction had been finished, there must be years before the South returned to the condition of well-balanced. To some extent the Centennial Exposition rebuilt the confidence and solidarity of American because of its tremendous success.However, it is not enough to prove the conclusion mentioned above by just a certain exposition. The conclusion has been achieved after analyzing the social and historical backgrounds of the Centennial Exposition as well as goals of the organizers, investigating reviews of people all circles and the expositions held by the South in the following years. In addition, the Centennial Exposition started the tradition of hosting exposition in America, which formed a solid foundation for the exhibitions held afterwards.The dissertation consists of three parts as well as an introduction and a postscriptThe introduction mainly focuses on the reasons for the selection of the subject, research condition of the subject and the framework of the dissertation.Part I discusses mainly the background of the Centennial Exposition, with a brief introduction to the three world expositions prior to 1876. Basing on historical materials, the author tries to show the course of organization of the Centennial Exposition, the reasons for choosing Philadelphia for the site, and the content and organization mode of the Centennial Exposition.Part II first gives a particular description about the opening ceremony and the major items on display, then carries on further discussion on those items reflecting great accomplishments in the past 100 years, especially during the American industrial revolution.Part III analyzes the influence of the Centennial Exposition. The part is where the conclusion is. On one hand, the Centennial Exposition had rebuilt the confidence and solidarity of the American. On the other hand, it had started the tradition of hosting exposition in America, which formed a solid foundation for the exhibitions held afterwards.