| This dissertation traces the history of International House and the International Trade Mart in New Orleans from 1946 until these organizations underwent a turbulent merger to become the World Trade Center in 1985. It chronicles the origin of the two entities, describing their facilities as well as the increasing competition between the two. It also explains the political climate of the era, pointing out how shifting priorities influenced the activities of both entities. In the early decades of their existence, both organizations focused on the establishment of strong trade and cultural ties with Latin America. This changed in the 1960s, especially as regards International House, when the focus was broadened to include European and African nations. This study analyzes the reasons for these changes and how they affected the merger. When this controversial linkage was first discussed in 1952, International House was the stronger of the two organizations. By the time the merger actually took place, the Trade Mart was the dominant partner.; As originally planned, the World Trade Center would continue to operate at both International House on Gravier Street, and the International Trade Mart building on Canal Street. It did not work out this way. In 1994 International House closed its doors; the corporation sold the International House buildings on Gravier Street. All the activities of the World Trade Center would thereafter take place only at the site of the former International Trade Mart.; The study ends with an analysis of International House's declining interest in Latin American affairs and its ultimate demise. This conclusion includes remarks on the present-day functions of organizations that perform individually some of the tasks that were once the function of International House. It is the purpose of these organizations, and especially of the World Trade Center, to once again make New Orleans the international city it once was. |
