As tensions among workers grew and the economic situation worsened, incidents of violence became more frequent. This period was marked by escalating labor disputes, which mirrored the societal unrest of the time. The environment was charged, influencing people's behaviors and attitudes towards one another.

In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson paints a vivid picture of this tumultuous era. The interplay of murder, magic, and madness during the Chicago World's Fair adds a layer of intrigue, reflecting how external pressures can lead to chaos. The rising violence serves as a backdrop to the fair, highlighting the darker sides of ambition and conflict amidst a striving society.