Evolution of RAS

The evolution of the RAS (Royal Agricultural Society) fits into the wider Western trend of promoting nationalism, progress, and technology through exhibitory venues, which first became popular in the 1850s. Various types of fairs, from local agricultural shows to World's Fairs, were used as instruments of hegemony to support imperialism, to promote burgeoning capitalist endeavours, and to shape class identities, social spaces, and public spaces. Visual culture and the art of display became essential in defining aspects of national distinction. Colonial nations in particular, such as Canada and Australia, were attempting to develop distinct national identities to differentiate themselves from British imperial power. Agricultural fairs in North America originated at the beginning of the nineteenth century and were devoted to educating practising farmers in ways of improving their cultivation of livestock and crops through the use of various technologies.