Week 2 : Economics

In order to understand the economics of this fair, it is important to contextualize these two years historically. 1939 marked the United States’ gradual recovery from the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. These two events had major ramifications on the U.S. and consequently affected the Golden Gate International Exposition. This expo thus indicates a desire to bring people together and celebrate diversity and technological advancement in the midst of political and economic turbulence.

Given these conditions, it is not surprising that the fair netted huge losses – approximately $4,166,000 in 1939 alone. The total construction costs of the fair totaled $18, 937,000, and administrative and other expenses summed to $3,250,000. In an effort to recover some of the losses, the fair continued to operate until 1940.

The Expo required both private and public funding. On the private side, the Exposition Company made significant donations. Public entities that were instrumental in funding this fair included the Public Works Administration and the Federal Works Progress Administration, who strongly supported the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and most important to the expo, Treasure Island.

Works Cited:

"Hard Times, High Visions: Golden Gate International Exposition Exhibit Items ." University of California, Berkley , 2001. Web. 23 Sep 2011.

James, Jack, and Earle Weller. Treasure Island : "The Magic City". San Francisco, CA: Pisani Printing and Publishing Company, 1941. Print.