The truth behind a viral TikTok trend
Mr. Watkins Jr. successfully predicted that people around the world would connect through cameras and screens, which now happens thanks to the internet. Well done!
He believed that these would no longer be needed since spelling based on pronunciation would be embraced. It was proposed that language would consist of shorter words. At least to some extent, this has come true with the rise of the internet and texting slang.
It was predicted that by using this technique, a doctor could observe and capture images of a pulsating heart and other organs. Additionally, they would have the ability to magnify and photograph the image. Does this sound familiar?
The article forecasted the availability of pre-cooked meals at establishments resembling bakeries. That's pretty close!
According to the report, meals would be made in laboratories instead of kitchens, utilizing chemicals to sanitize the cooking utensils and eliminate any microbes.
Live streaming has now made this possible. The article also noted the inclusion of automated instruments, stating that "numerous devices will enhance the emotional impact of music." How about electronic music, synths, and effects?
Large cannons will be fired at a distant target (correct!) as balloons and aircraft equipped with cameras (correct!) capture high-resolution imagery (correct again!).
John Elfreth Watkins Jr. accurately foresaw how cars would replace horses in farming and daily life, but he underestimated their cost.
Another accurate prediction that is now a normal part of daily life.
He foresaw the ability to control the temperature in your home as easily as adjusting a water tap. Enter the air conditioner!
It was believed that all of these insects would have been eliminated by the year 2000. All water would have been treated, preventing mosquitoes and flies from reproducing and spreading. Unfortunately, this prediction didn't come true.
Color photography indeed elevated the field of photography as predicted.
"Winter will be turned into summer and night into day by the farmer." The use of electricity in farming is a common practice nowadays.
Since the birth of the internet, it has become possible to transmit photographs worldwide, even if they're not exactly "telegraphed."
He predicted that coal would no longer be used as fuel for trains, which is accurate. Japan's L0 Series, for example, can achieve speeds of up to 375 mph.
English, while not the most spoken language (Mandarin holds that title), is well-known and spoken worldwide.
In the year 1900, achieving this may have appeared futuristic, but it is quite doable nowadays.
Traffic congestion remains a prevalent issue both on surface streets and in underground tunnels. Despite the appeal of noise-free urban environments, the truth is that cities have yet to achieve this ideal state.
Despite its allure, this dream hasn't materialized yet. Perhaps genetically altered fruits will eventually lead us toward that goal, but it doesn't seem to be the priority!
Free medical care, meals, books, and clothes for underprivileged students remain an unattainable goal for numerous countries worldwide.
Rats and mice will have been eradicated. Cattle and sheep will be hornless, specifically bred for consumption. Although numerous animals are specifically bred for food production, a considerable number of wild animals continue to exist.
Exercise would be compulsory in schools and start in nursery. It was also predicted that anyone unable to walk 10 miles would be deemed unfit. Not 100% accurate, but PE classes did become a reality.
Experts predicted a future scarcity of coal, estimating its gradual disappearance between 2050 and 2300. They projected water-based electricity as a forthcoming alternative. Not bad!
Not only that, but sugar cane would produce twice as much sugar! This one didn't come to fruition, although it may be possible with today's genetic modification technology.
Drug delivery methods involving skin absorption or electrical currents are not fully developed or implemented yet.
These vehicles would be utilized by the military and scientists for transportation of goods and personnel. They would not pose competition to cars or vessels. This prediction is somewhat accurate.
Packages would be delivered by pneumatic tubes instead of store wagons. In the 21st century, we've skipped straight to drones for delivering packages!
Fast electric ships could potentially reduce travel time between the US and the UK to a mere two days. Such ships would be equipped with a safety mechanism ensuring secure submersion during storms. However, this technology remains a distant reality for now.
Refrigeration systems on both land and sea enable the cultivation of unusual fruits in regions where they wouldn't thrive naturally.
The forecast was that Americans would become 1 to 2 inches taller and have a life expectancy of 50, rather than 30. Over the span of a century, Americans have indeed grown approximately 2 inches taller, and their life expectancy has significantly improved.
The initial forecast anticipated a population size ranging from 350 to 500 million individuals in the United States. A century later, the country counted approximately 285 million people, reflecting substantial growth but falling short of the projected 500 million mark.
Liquid-air refrigerators would keep food fresh for longer and those caught selling food exposed to air would be prosecuted. Not quite right in this case!
See also: The end of the world is near... (again!)
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to see which predictions came true and which ones didn't.
Which of these 1900 predictions actually happened?
Some were eerily accurate while others were way off!
LIFESTYLE Society
In 1900, engineer John Elfreth Watkins Jr. published an article in 'The Ladies' Home Journal' that outlined a number of predictions for the next 100 years. The article speculated on what the year 2000 would bring. While some of the forecasts were overly optimistic and somewhat unrealistic, others turned out to be surprisingly accurate.
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to see which predictions came true and which ones didn't.