Task 3.16. Read the text

History of World Expo.

Part II

During the long course of human history, the World Expo not only demonstrated the fruitful achievement of different times, but also reflected people’s deep understanding of industry, science and technology, culture and ethnicity. At the same time, the history of World Expo is also a history of people’s evolving and advancing evaluation of the civilization they have created.

To some extent, the Industrial Revolution gave birth to the modern World Expo, as the original intent of the World Expo is to display the achievements of different countries’ Industrial Revolution. The 1851 London World Expo is universally recognized as the first modern World Expo, which was called the “Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”. Ten countries were invited to participate in the 160-day event, which attracted over 6.3 million visitors. At the exposition, China exhibited its Yung Kee Silk, which was characterized by ethnic features and was awarded a gold prize. The Expo does not include any direct transaction, a practice that was inherited by the following Expos. The 1851 Expo was held in Hyde Park in London. The pavilion was constructed with steel and glass curtain, so it was call the “Crystal Palace”.

Part II

From the 20th century to the 21st century, people had experienced a transition form subjugating nature to respecting nature. Apart from the development of the city itself, the Expo began to pay attention to the whole earth and global issues such as ecology and environmental protection. The numerous wars of the past century intensified people’s longing for peace. So the World Expo was viewed by people from around the world as a bridge towards eradicating misunderstanding, improving relationships and resolving contradictions.

Based on the above ideas, when considering the scope of theme, the serious organizer of the Expo 2000 Hanover decide to choose the protection of resources as an important topic, which is in line with the trend of the time. The 2005 Aichi Expo Japan, the most recent registered Expo, was given the theme “Nature’s Wisdom”, which presented a global perspective and reflected people’s attitudes toward nature, society and future. The Expo Zaragoza 2008, the latest recognized Expo, was a great global event with the theme on the dynamic relation between water and human society. This Expo was a global supportive program with profound impact that was based on a recurring concept: water and sustainability.

The organizers of Expo in the 21st century wish to, through the use of rich means of exhibition, review the process of how people are using wisdom and technology to reconnect themselves with nature, from which they have been moving away. The Expo in the 21st century is still full of life, and will play an important role in promoting world peace and development. As the world progresses, the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, with the theme of “Better City, Better Life”, will add the glory and splendor to the long history of the World Expo.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 949