A critical analysis is conducted of the historical material covering the presentation of the introduction of three technological innovations in France over the period of the seven universal expositions held in Paris between 1876 and 1937. Particular attention is paid to the attempts made by providers of the new technologies to target innovators and early adopters and to attract interest from the early majority. The research investigates the impact of universal expositions in the broader context of societal, political and technological dynamics that were having a parallel influence on the adoption of the technological innovations in France.