One of the most interesting things about looking back at old predictions, is seeing how they turned out when the future date finally rolled around. As a whole, people are pretty bad at guessing what the future will look like (and especially if top hats will be in fashion), but common desires and dreams are still sometimes fulfilled in surprising ways. This set of German cards from around 1899 or 1900 are an excellent and entertaining example.
“Life in the Year 2000” was created by Hildebrands, a leading German chocolate company of the time. Certainly inspired by what the next century would hold, one card from the series was placed in each of their boxes of chocolate.
Let’s see what the Victorians thought the future would look like in 2000, and how things actually turned out.
1: Strolling on Water
Some Victorians imagined a time when lakes and rivers would no longer be objects crossed with bridges and boats, but instead being able to gently glide over the surface using waterwheel bicycles or wooden shoes with balloons strapped under your armpits. Hey, even the horse has a balloon.
Did it happen?
I’m going to say this mostly didn’t happen. But barefoot waterskiing got it part way there.
2: Moving sidewalks
Here the cards predict a world filled with moving sidewalks on rails, almost like train cars. They also feature comfortable benches to sit on as you’re whisked along. Watch those long skirts ladies!
Did it happen?
Yes! Just about any airport terminal (and even many shopping malls) has a moving sidewalk. No, they don’t have benches to sit down or involve very many handshakes from across the way, but they have become a normal part of life.
3: Moving houses by train
Ok, maybe I should actually call this “moving an entire city block by train.” These Victorians haven’t even bothered to leave the premises or put out the fire. It looks like a nightmare for anyone who already gets lost. Where’d the grocery store move to again?
Did it happen?
Kind of. Today we have mobile homes and camping trailers which people live in, that has to count for something. I even found an impressive picture from 1889 of a train moving a large brick house, but I’ve never seen an entire city block being moved. Probably for the best.
4: Theater broadcast from a distance
Can’t make it to the theater? The Victorians still wanted to see the show, and imagined a projection device to catch it from to comfort of home.
Did it happen?
You bet! Besides the obvious invention of television, we also have projectors and live broadcasting. We also don’t have to hold our headphones to our ears. What luxury!
5: Personal flying machines
How about strapping a set of wings to your back and flapping off to see some friends? That’s what plenty of Victorians imagined for the future.
Did it happen?
Almost. Besides the obvious invention of the airplane (Otto Lilienthal was already leaping off hills and the Wright Brothers flew just 3 years after these cards were made), we also have hang gliders and paragliders which get pretty close to personal wings – especially when you strap on an engine. You won’t find many pilots smoking a cigar though. Naughty, naughty.
6: Weather-control machines
It looks like a cross between a locomotive and a tuba, this mysterious machine somehow manages to conger up rain on a dry day, or bring on the sun when it’s time for a badminton match.
Did it happen?
Mostly not. Controlling the weather (not to mention global warming) is still a dream for the future. We have been seeding clouds for a long time, which counts for a little, but mostly we can be happy for central heating and air conditioning.
7: A Combination Battleship/Locomotive
Just imagine: you’re in the middle of an epic sea battle and you’re losing. What do you do? Drive your burning ship up onto land and away from danger… obviously.
Did it happen?
Um… no. Not even sort of. Not to mention that trains and battleships are a lot less important in todays combat. Too bad, because this looks really awesome.
8: Undersea boats
This prediction looks like an underwater rowboat with a greenhouse on top. It would be quite a view, even if you were just looking at eels.
Did it happen?
Submarines were already around, so I’m going to say mostly no. I’m not so sure the victorians understood the strength of glass under pressure on this one. We do have some very cool glass bottom boats though, and even transparent kayaks.
9: Cities with Roofs
Ok, this is about the same as the weather control machine up above, except this time it can rain AND you stay dry.
Did it happen?
Basically yes, but not the way they saw it. Now the only time we get wet is getting to and from the car. Otherwise our lives are pretty dry even on the wettest of days.
10: Personal Airships
Probably the best part about this picture is that people are waving hats at each other. When was the last time you saw that?
Did it happen?
Yes. But it’s not at all common. There are people who have built their own blimps, and there was that guy who tied helium balloons to his lawn chair, but things didn’t turn out that well.
11: Police X-Ray Spy Machines
Here the Victorians imagined a world where vigilant cops kept the streets safe from crime – by looking through walls. Lucky this officer had his machine set up by the correct wall. “Sir, put down that hammer!”
Did it happen?
Mostly yes. For better or worse, police are now using all kinds of infrared imaging devices to see into homes. But they’re busting way more people for meth labs and grow rooms than violent crimes.
12: Airship rides to the North Pole
This picture of the North Pole makes it look downright warm and cheery. Perhaps that’s why the Victorians thought it was a good holiday destination.
Did it happen?
YES! Just 31 years after these cards were made, the Graf Zeppelin (which was fittingly German), made a flight high into the arctic and reached a spot 490 nautical miles from the North Pole. It revolutionized our understanding of the regions geography and is still a highly impressive feat even today.
