A Study On The Great Exhibition Of 1851

The great exhibition of 1851 overwhelmed the world and announced the extraordinary industrial strength and industrial supremacy of Britain beyond all doubt. Taking the great exhibition of 1851 as the research subject, this thesis discusses the following aspects including historical backgrounds, set-up procedures, and grand scenes and also concludes the profound historical influences of the great event. The success of this event relied highly on the economic, social and historical conditions of Britain at that time. Factors such as a rapidly developing industrial economy, steadily increasing overseas trade, increasing industrial population, developments of public transport systems and developments of scientific technology were essential economic and social premises of holding such a grand exhibition, and the accumulated experiences of holding industrial exhibitions since the middle of the 18th century proved to be a bench mark for the success of the first international exhibition. With the consistent promotion and hard work of the government, the tentative idea of holding exposition was gradually accepted and supported by various social groups. The government established the Royal Commission which took charge of the preparations and tried their best to publicize and promote the great exhibition. The industrial provinces responded positively to the call of government by introducing the great exhibition to the public and raising large sums of funds for the exposition. Supported by various social groups, the great exhibition of 1851 opened successfully, the glass-iron made crystal palace and objects exhibited in the pavilion embodied Britain’s leading industrial production capabilities. However, Britain realized its disadvantage of inferior industrial design compared to the other countries during the exhibition. As a new and rising force in society, the work force took an active part in the great exhibition of 1851 which satisfied their demands of learning and entertaining. The great exhibition of 1851 had its profound historical significance, which includes leading to the establishments of a series of public education institutions and entertainment venues for working class, publicizing the concept of free trade and triggering the Arts and Crafts Movement.