Our history is a vast pool of interpretations and opinions. Nearly every historical theory can be backed by substantial evidence of some sort, regardless of the theory's absolute truth. Historians usually focus their theories on the past, rarely constructing exhaustive predictions for the future.
True, we study history to understand and forecast the current and future events, but rarely are these prophecies wide-ranging. Historians usually turn their nose up when they hear, 'what if', but I think 'what if' is an interesting question that helps people understand the possible repercussions of current decisions.
Some theories may seem outlandish, but by recognizing extreme possibilities we at least become more aware of potential consequences that we would otherwise deem impossible.
The world, especially America, seems to be approaching a major historical turning point. In 150 years, what will historians say about the current era? I have a few 'outlandish' theories that will display the potential significance of our time period:
America will spend hundreds of billions of dollars on the war on terrorism, which will last more than half a century. Over time, decreased tax rates will drastically diminish our national revenue, but that won't stop us from spending. We will rack-up the largest deficit in American history.
Consumer confidence will never fully recover from the war on terrorism, and subsequently the stock market will plummet to new lows. Our increasing dependency on foreign goods will foster an even larger trade deficit. As the value of the dollar falls on the global market, foreign shareholders will discontinue their investment in our country, further perpetuating the economic problem. The foreign investors will then turn their capital over to the fastest growing nation, China.
Throughout the history of the world, every great empire has had one thing in common: they have all ended. The United States has controlled the global arena for nearly a century, but the next few decades will witness the end of U.S. domination.
As China captures the global economy, they will soon have the resources to build a powerful military, too large for the United States to overcome. The ramifications of this transfer of power will be immeasurable.
China is a communist nation containing more than one sixth of the world's population. We have less than a fifth of their available manpower, and their people are willing to work for next to nothing, unlike our laborers who get paid 20 dollars per hour. The wealthy people in this country will no doubt be fine, the middle-class will become the 'new' lower class, and the poor and homeless will grow to be our nation's majority.
Every public institution will suffer. America will lose its power, but not its influence. We will lobby for a more powerful United Nations (since we are permanent members) in order to have a powerful avenue to exert our influence in the world and to combat the powerful Chinese.
150 years ago was the Civil War-era. So, before you jump to the conclusion that this theory is impossible, ask yourself the question, 'could the contemporaries of the Civil War-era forecast computers, missiles, and space stations?'
The answer is obviously no.
Will this scenario actually develop? Maybe not, but it absolutely could. So, pay attention to world affairs and current events. We have the power now to control what historians will theorize about, 150 years from now-- so don't let the future pass you by.
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