1900: Or, The Last President
by Ingersoll Lockwood is a fascinating and somewhat obscure novella published in 1896. It presents a dystopian vision of the United States in political and social turmoil, striking for its eerily prescient parallels to modern times. Though it is less well-known than Lockwood's
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series, it has attracted significant attention in recent years due to perceived connections between its narrative and contemporary events.
Set in a chaotic future America, the novella opens with the unexpected election of a populist candidate as president. This event triggers widespread civil unrest and economic instability, as the country grapples with deep divisions and dissatisfaction with the status quo. The story describes a fractured society in which the working class rises against the elites, leading to widespread violence, protests, and disorder.
The narrative also weaves in themes of class struggle, corruption, and the erosion of traditional institutions. The title suggests a metaphorical or literal "last president," hinting at the collapse of the American political system or a broader societal decline.
Lockwood wrote the novella during a time of significant social and economic change in America. The late 19th century saw the rise of industrialization, increasing wealth inequality, labor strikes, and debates over monetary policy (e.g., the gold standard vs. free silver). These tensions provide the backdrop for the story's themes of class conflict and political upheaval.