The dark underbelly of progress from "summary" of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
The World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago was a dazzling display of innovation and progress. The fairgrounds sparkled with white stucco buildings and shimmering lagoons, showcasing the latest technology and architecture of the late 19th century. Visitors marveled at the electric lights, moving sidewalks, and other marvels of modern engineering. However, beneath the surface of this shiny facade lurked a much darker reality. The rapid growth and development of Chicago came at a cost – a cost that was often paid in human lives. The construction of the fairgrounds was plagued by accidents and fatalities, as workers labored under dangerous conditions to meet tight deadlines. The demand for cheap labor led to the exploitation of immigrant workers, who toiled long hours for meager wages in unsafe environments. Meanwhile, the city itself was a breeding ground for crime and corruption. The influx of people and money brought with it a wave of criminal activity, including prostitution, gambling, and organized crime. The fair provided the perfect cover for those looking to exploit the unsuspecting visitors, with con artists and swindlers preying on the crowds for their own gain. As the fair drew to a close, the true extent of the darkness that lay beneath the surface became apparent. The fairgrounds were dismantled and the buildings demolished, leaving behind a wasteland of debris and destruction. The euphoria of progress gave way to a sense of loss and disillusionment, as the city struggled to come to terms with the human cost of its ambition. In the end, the World's Columbian Exposition served as a stark reminder of the price of progress. It was a reminder that behind every great achievement lies a hidden world of sacrifice and suffering, a world that is often overlooked in our eagerness to embrace the future. The dark underbelly of progress is a shadow that we must confront if we are to truly understand the true cost of our ambitions.
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