Slagschip Illinois bij de World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 1893

Charles Dudley Arnold created this photograph of the Battleship Illinois at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The image speaks to the complex cultural and political forces at play during this period of American history. On the one hand, the World's Fair was a celebration of progress and innovation. On the other, it also served as a powerful display of American power, both technological and military. The Battleship Illinois, a symbol of American naval might, was a floating exhibit at the fair. It reflects the growing sense of nationalism and expansionism that was sweeping the country at the time. Understanding the history of institutions like the U.S. Navy, and events such as the Spanish-American War, help us to interpret this photograph more fully. Photographs like this are valuable resources for historians. They provide a glimpse into the values, priorities, and anxieties of a particular moment in time.