Stuff You Should Know Let's All Go to the World's Fair
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Mar 5, 2026 They trace the rise of world's fairs from industrial-era showcases to massive global expos. Highlights include the Crystal Palace, Eiffel Tower debut, Chicago's White City and the Ferris wheel. They cover flashy tech like early cinema, electric lighting and IBM exhibits, plus controversial colonial displays and modern mega-expos in Osaka and Shanghai.
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Early American Booths Mixed Gadgets And Showmanship
- Josh and Chuck recount U.S. exhibits at early fairs like Colt pistols and chewing tobacco to illustrate national self-promotion.
- At the Crystal Palace the U.S. had 560 exhibits including the Colt Repeating Pistol and displays like artificial legs and performers.
Paris Used Expos To Rebuild National Prestige
- Paris became the dominant host, using expositions for national recovery and prestige through spectacular architecture and fountains.
- The 1889 Exposition gave us the Eiffel Tower and underwater electric-lit fountains like the Fountain of Progress.
Du Bois Used Infographics To Showcase Black Progress
- Josh highlights the 1900 Paris exposition Black American exhibit led by W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington.
- Du Bois created visual infographics showing rising literacy and property ownership among Black Americans for the fair.
