Rue des Nations op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1900 1900

This stereoscopic card from 1900, shows the “Street of Nations” at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The anonymous photographer captures a carefully constructed scene meant to represent global unity and progress. The World’s Fair was a spectacle of national pride, but beneath the surface, it also reflected the colonial power dynamics of the time. The “Street of Nations” featured buildings designed in various national styles, yet this representation often reinforced stereotypes and overlooked the complexities of different cultures. Who was included, how were they represented, and who was left out? Consider the people in the photograph. Predominantly men dressed in formal attire populate the scene. Their presence speaks to the social norms of the time, which privileged male visibility in public spaces, reflecting the gender and class biases inherent in the era’s social structures. As you observe this image, reflect on the ways in which these historical narratives continue to shape our present-day understanding of globalization and cultural exchange.