A Century of Progress

The Century of Progress, by contrast, celebrated an America of the future, of the imagination. Rather than rejoicing in what was, this exhibition enticed people to envision the grand America to come, to think about the wonders that lay ahead and aspire toward a new vision of their nation. This idea was especially poignant in 1933, as the country lay stricken by its worst financial disaster in history, the Great Depression. By creating a wonderland reflecting America’s greatest advancements in art, literature, architecture, science, and industry, the fair served not only as a source of pride, but also provided some much needed reassurance that, despite the current situation, the future of America was full of promise.