Great Exhibition

Definition

The Great Exhibition was a landmark event held in 1851 in London, showcasing the industrial achievements of the time, particularly from the British Empire. This event symbolized the height of the Industrial Revolution, presenting innovations in technology, design, and manufacturing while reflecting the social changes and aspirations of Victorian society. It served as a platform for global collaboration and competition, influencing social realism by highlighting the disparity between the wealthy elite and the working class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park and attracted over six million visitors during its duration, making it one of the most attended events of its time.
2. Exhibits included contributions from various countries, highlighting advancements in machinery, textiles, and fine arts, thus promoting international trade and cooperation.
3. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were instrumental in organizing the event, which not only showcased British ingenuity but also positioned Britain as a global leader in industry.
4. The exhibition's success led to subsequent expos around the world, influencing future exhibitions in cities like Paris and Chicago.
5. The social implications of the Great Exhibition revealed stark contrasts between the industrial elite who benefitted from these advancements and the laborers who toiled under harsh conditions in factories.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Exhibition reflect the technological advancements of the Victorian era and what impact did it have on society?
  • The Great Exhibition showcased the remarkable technological advancements achieved during the Industrial Revolution, including innovations in machinery and manufacturing processes. By bringing together exhibits from around the world, it highlighted Britain's industrial prowess while also illuminating social disparities. The event acted as a mirror reflecting both progress and inequality, illustrating how advancements benefitted a select few while many continued to struggle in harsh working conditions.
• Discuss how the Crystal Palace functioned as a symbol of both industrial achievement and societal division during the Great Exhibition.
  • The Crystal Palace represented an architectural marvel of the time, symbolizing human ingenuity and industrial achievement. However, it also served as a stark reminder of societal division. While the exhibition displayed luxuries and advancements enjoyed by the wealthy elite, it simultaneously highlighted the plight of workers whose labor made these innovations possible. This duality emphasizes how progress can coexist with social inequality within a rapidly changing society.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Exhibition on social realism in literature and art during and after the Victorian era.
  • The Great Exhibition had profound long-term effects on social realism in literature and art as it brought to light the disparities created by rapid industrialization. Artists and writers began to focus on portraying the realities of working-class life and critiquing societal issues exposed by such grand displays of wealth. The exhibition's legacy inspired creators to depict not just technological triumphs but also to advocate for social change, influencing movements that sought to address injustices within a rapidly evolving society.

Related terms

Crystal Palace: The iconic glass-and-iron structure built to house the Great Exhibition, representing architectural innovation and the industrial capabilities of the era.

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, significantly impacting society and culture.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aimed to represent everyday life, often focusing on the struggles of the working class and social issues during a time of rapid change.