The Great Exhibition of 1851

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The Great Exhibition of 1851 sought to provide the world with the hope of a better future. After Europe’s struggle of two decades of political and social upheaval, the Exhibition hoped to show that technology was the key to a better future. The Europeans were excited to display their new innovative technology and show off their progress of industrialization and economic changes. The most popular exhibit was the Crystal Palace; the first monumental structure in Britain that was constructed of uniquely from metal and glass (93). The promoters of the Palace said it will be known and remembered for ages across Europe. Just as the Liberals thought that Liberalism would stay forever due to their breakthrough so did the promoters think the same thing would happen with the Crystal Palace. However, both ideas were illusions and in just a few centuries both would fall. The promoters also thought that nothing would ever be greater than the Palace (94) which is what the Liberals thought of other non-Liberal groups, and like the Palace fell, so did the Liberal’s fall as well and they would be replaced without hesitation. They viewed the world as if it was in the palm of their hands, across Europe the societies were becoming more and more progressive and industrialized while putting the past turmoil they had encountered behind them. There was an extensive celebration of Liberal achievements and throughout both articles Liberalism is always articulated of with a positive connotation behind it. The Liberals boast constantly about the Crystal Palace and its greatness due to its help to move forward the history of industry. They were so certain that it would be a success that they predicted not only the wealthy to soon start and embrace the style ... ... middle of paper ... ...terial and industrial developments of the time period were the most rapid and powerful changes the Europeans had ever seen. The Liberals seemed to believe that they could and would change Europe to make it the Europe that they had fought for. They looked at the past with respect to all of the progress that was made and what it took to get there but the detestable attitude towards the non- Liberals that caused them all their trouble was not easily missed. All of the improvement and advancements they made was sometimes overlooked. It is only once they were out of that time period when they could look back and see what they really went through, it is then when they had to stop and look where they were and where they were going to make sure that that is the future for them, and to the Liberals it was. Works Cited The Economist (London) 9 (1851) 4-6, 57-58, 92- 100

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