Read Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City. After reading the historical account, place his story in the appropriate historical context (what was going on in the time period in which the 1893 World’s Fair took place?) using information gathered from lecture, the textbook, and other primary and secondary documents. Then answer ONE of the following questions.1.) Richard Harding Davis called the World’s Columbian Exposition “the greatest event in the history of the country since the Civil War.” According to Erik Larson’s accounting in The Devil in the White City, is Davis’ statement accurate? While this question is open to reflect the views of the reader, it is important to contextualize your answer including an explanation of the significance of the Gilded Age and the City of Chicago. Additionally, what was the purpose of including the grisly story of H.H. Holmes (aka Herman Webster Mudgett)? Whether you agree or disagree with Davis that this was “the greatest event”, support your thesis with examples from Larson’s book. 2.) Historians have stated that the greatest battle after 1865 was the fight between labor and capital and that the City of Chicago was the caldron in which this battle took place. How does the City, and the account that Erik Larson provides in The Devil in the White City, illustrate the Gilded Age and this great battle between labor and capital? Where does race “fit” in this battle? How does Larson’s book illustrate the US in transition at the end of the 19th century? What was the purpose of including the grisly story of H.H. Holmes (aka Herman Webster Mudgett)? Whether you agree or disagree with the statement that this was the “greatest battle”, support your thesis with examples from Larson’s book. The essay should be four to six pages in length. Follow the attached guidelines. The main body of your paper should contain your evaluation, interpretation, and analysis of the book. This essay is worth 20% (100 points) of your total course grade. Rough drafts will be accepted at any time until a week before the due date.
