Summary
1900, Or: The Last President, written by Ingersoll Lockwood in 1896, presents dystopian fiction and political satire. The story is set in a post-election United States experiencing societal discord and political unrest. A newly elected president, characterized as a political outsider, encounters threats from anarchists and socialist groups. This reflects a rise in populism and declining trust in democratic processes. Lockwood’s depiction of chaos and potential collapse of political stability still engages modern readers due to its relevant themes.
Plot
In 1900, Or: The Last President by Ingersoll Lockwood, the story unfolds in a turbulent America, starting on November 3, 1896, in New York City after the election of Mr. Bryan as President. This event causes widespread disorder. Anarchist and socialist groups threaten the wealthy class. Authorities deploy military regiments to restore order. Calls of “Death to the rich man!” resonate through the streets.
The unrest extends to Chicago, where celebrations occur over the perceived end of financial oppression. These protests lead to Bryan's presidency, defined by a populist agenda that disrupts established economic systems. He decides to repeal the gold standard and adopt a silver-based currency. This move causes economic uncertainty and market instability.
As tensions escalate, the focus moves to Washington. Bryan's administration faces rebellious factions and economic distress. The government struggles to maintain public trust amid financial turmoil. By the novel's end, as a new century begins, peace and stability remain out of reach, raising questions about the future of democratic governance in a populist era.
Characters
John Hart: John Hart, the new president, faces unforeseen turbulence. His leadership is crucial as he addresses the societal disorder threatening U.S. stability.
Governor Morton: In New York, Governor Morton acts as a stabilizing force during electoral unrest. His actions play a key role in maintaining order amid the crisis.
The mob: Representing anarchists and socialists, the mob embodies themes of class struggle and societal upheaval.
Anarchists and socialists: These characters contribute significantly to public unrest. Their push for rebellion challenges the ruling elite's authority.
The Military Regiments (Seventh, Twenty-second, and Seventy-first): These regiments respond to chaos, representing the state's law and order during the disturbance.
Unnamed ‘Master Spirit’: This mysterious figure guides the mob, exemplifying hidden power dynamics in political maneuvers.
William Jennings Bryan: Bryan's mention as a catalyst reflects the period's political tensions, aligning with the novel's focus on societal and political conflict.
Historical influences
Published in 1896, 1900; or, The Last President reflects the political climate of late 19th century America. The nation faced economic inequality, labor disputes, and rising populism symbolized by figures like William Jennings Bryan. The working class experienced economic pressures that led to conflicts between industrial magnates and laborers. Lockwood's narrative addresses these societal tensions, depicting a dystopian America under a populist presidency. Mob actions in New York City, driven by socialist and anarchist movements, reflect the era's volatility and economic divides. Lockwood critiques the chaotic and divisive impact of unchecked populism, addressing the societal fears and anxieties of this transformative period.
Themes
Lockwood's book explores themes of populism, economic instability, and societal upheaval. The narrative parallels 19th-century apprehensions with contemporary issues. The United States in the story teeters on the brink as economic disparity ignites the rise of disenchanted masses driven by anarchist and socialist ideologies. A scene in New York City describes chaos as crowds mobilize, with populist sentiments reflected in chants like “Bryan is elected! Our day has come at last. Down with our oppressors!” This turmoil shows shifts in political currents and economic hardships paralleling today’s global populist trends. Lockwood critiques populism’s unfulfilled promises and potential risks. The portrayal of societal disarray prompts consideration of democratic systems' vulnerabilities, as economic and social tensions can incite unrest. These concerns resonate in today’s political climate, underscoring the enduring relevance of Lockwood’s themes.
Parallels with modern politics
Lockwood's 1900, Or: The Last President appears to connect with contemporary political events, especially those during the Trump presidency. The novel depicts New York City in turmoil after a populist candidate's election, which led to protests. This scenario resembles the atmosphere following Donald Trump's election. The story aligns with real-world political changes seen in unexpected electoral outcomes and widespread public demonstrations. Lockwood's narrative predicts modern debates on populism and democracy's potential weaknesses. These themes have renewed interest in Lockwood's work, leading readers to consider the relevance of his story in today's political context.
Cultural impact and rediscovery
Social media interest: The 2016 election renewed focus on 1900, Or: The Last President. Readers noted parallels between the book's narrative and the contemporary political landscape, leading to increased discussions on social media about its perceived relevance during Donald Trump's presidency.
Media attention: Various media outlets covered the novel, focusing on its apparent insight into a politically unstable America. Analyses frequently addressed its depiction of societal discord and themes of populism and political outsiders.
Reader engagement: Platforms like Goodreads experienced a rise in discussions. Readers described the novel as "predictive programming." The narrative's echoes in current events, particularly those involving a contentious political figure, prompted further examination.
Cultural significance: The book transcended its literary status to become a part of political and social discussions. It serves as a reference point for theories about historical patterns and the effects of populism, encouraging reflection on recurring historical themes.
Quick facts
Ingersoll Lockwood's novel 1900, Or: The Last President was published in 1896 by The American News Company.
The novel gained renewed popularity post-2017 due to perceived parallels with contemporary political events.
The book's revival was significantly linked to its similarities with Donald Trump's presidency.
It tells the story of a populist leader's ascent to power, causing social and political turmoil.
The narrative explicitly includes themes of political corruption, class struggles, and societal chaos after a disputed election.
The events in the novel eerily echo real-life political protests and disturbances around past presidential elections.
Lockwood's depiction of intense political unrest in New York City parallels events involving the Trump Tower during Trump's presidency.
Economic and monetary policies and their populist context serve as critical themes in the novel.
Mob violence and social disorder described in the book reflect historical fears of societal destabilization.
The story involves anarchist and socialist-led mobs threatening the wealthy, emphasizing class conflicts.
Initially overlooked, Lockwood’s works, including his series on a fictional character, Baron Trump, have seen a resurgence due to coincidental similarities with the Trump family.
About the author
Brianna Wiest is an American writer specializing in self-help and personal development. She graduated from Elizabethtown College with a degree in professional writing. Wiest contributed to platforms like Thought Catalog and Huffington Post, focusing on wellness and personal growth. Her book 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think is well-regarded. Wiest has also authored The Mountain Is You and The Truth About Everything, establishing her role in contemporary self-help literature.
