CHICAGO METRO HISTORY FAIR

2016 SUMMARY STATEMENT

Attach an annotated bibliography (AB) that is divided between primary and secondary sources.
Submit two copies of the SS and AB at the competition. Please type.

Student name(s) Mao Bergan

Title The Columbian Exposition

Check if applicable (and respond to Question 3):
This project uses the 2016 National History Day theme, Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange in
[Chicago/Illinois] History

Project Category:

Exhibit

Website

Paper

Student Composed
Word-Count:

Student Composed
Word-Count:

Total Word-Count
(excluding citations):

Documentary Performance
Time:

Time:

1045

1. THESIS STATEMENT
Present the projects argument or interpretation in two sentences. If you are using the NHD theme, you
might want to make it evident in your thesis statement.
The Worlds Columbian Exposition was a turning point in technology. The fair implemented
electricity to be used as decorations, which was a new way of thinking how some technology was being
used at that time. It was a major encounter for many people to see electricity
as decorations. Today electricity is used very commonly as decorations as new or unique.
2. SUMMARY OF PROJECT
Briefly explain your project and its conclusion. Include: How and why did change happen and what
was the impact? Why is it historically significant? What historical meaning or importance can we
learn from your findings?
The Columbian Exposition was a turning point in technology, over 27 million people visited
this fair during its short 5 months. The fair had attractions and was mainly opened for the 400th
anniversary of Christopher Columbus for discovering the new world. The fair had electricity running
through, it had more lights then the city of Chicago had. It was a new way of using electricity as
decorations.

3. Required for projects using the National History Day theme only.
Explain how this project integrates the NHD theme Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange in
[Chicago/Illinois] History into its argument.
The Columbian Exposition ties into the National History Day theme because of the encounter
of using electricity to run throughout the park. The lights main purpose was to decorate and present
special buildings and statues. For many people this was a new encounter. They didnt expect that
electricity would be used as a decoration, today we use electricity as a daily use. Its commonly used
as a decoration.
4. PROCESS
A. What historical question did you start off withand how did it change once you began doing
your research?
When I started my project I was very interested to build off an old project I did back in 7th grade
on the Ferris wheel. I wanted to push further and find other interesting new technology. I wanted to
do something that involved a changing in technology.
B. What kinds of sources did you use as evidence to develop your argument (for example, letters,
photographs, government documents, interviews, etc.)?
I used many different books and articles on my project. I had many Primary sources used. I also
looked at a few secondary as backup.
C. Select one piece of evidence that you used and explain how it influenced your argument.
When I saw that The Columbian Exposition was known to be called as a turning point in
technology it drew me because I wanted to know how it related to modern days like today. I found
many different facts along the way on my project. The fair had many attractions.
D. List libraries (other than school), museums, and other institutions that you visited to do your
research.
Chicago Public Library