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Copyright: McCabe 1876, S. 53

In 1866, preparations for a celebration of the centenary of America’s independence were begun. Professor J. L. Campbell of Wabash College had developed the idea in a letter to the mayor of Philadelphia. But it was not until 1871, when the support of the American Congress had been secured, that the project gained a firm outline. Only now were scientific institutions such as the Franklin Institute, the Smithsonian Institute and the Academy of Fine Arts willing to get involved in the world exhibition. Congress convened the Centennial Commission, whose members were appointed by the American president after nomination by the governors.

Nonetheless, parliament refused to carry the financial responsibility for the exhibition. However, the Centennial Commission was allowed to sell $10 million worth of shares through a Board of Finance. But only a quarter of these was actually bought by mostly local financiers. The city of Philadelphia provided $1.5 million and congress made available a matching sum as a loan for the erection of the exhibition buildings.

Furthermore, the high tax barriers on imports into the US had to be relaxed. Owing to pressure from the industry, a compromise was found: Exhibits were allowed to be imported free of tax, but had to be returned to their countries of origin after the exhibition. On 3 July 1873, President Ulysses C. Grant ceremoniously proclaimed a final determination of the exhibition site and the opening date. At the same time, Grant sent out invitations to participate in the world exhibition to the foreign embassies.


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The Philadelphia World Exposition 1876
A celebration of the USA’s 100th birthday – the story previously
Year: 1876City: PhiladelphiaCountry: USA
Duration: 10th May - 10th November 1876

 

 

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