Life, 1915-07-15 · page 29 of 48
Life — July 15, 1915 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This *Life* magazine piece presents a speculative fiction scenario (labeled "The Theatrical Season of 2001"), imagining an unnamed foreign power launching a surprise military invasion of the U.S. East Coast near Bar Harbor with 150,000 troops. A patriotic naval officer warns the President that the invasion is imminent and unstoppable—the enemy has superior landing technology, intelligence networks, and strategic advantage. The satire critiques American complacency and unpreparedness for modern warfare. The "theatrical season" subtitle suggests this scenario feels absurdly theatrical or implausible to contemporary readers, yet the story treats it as credible military strategy. The accompanying illustration shows a Broadway theater street scene (likely Times Square), contrasting civilian entertainment with the grave warning. The lower cartoon about "Mr. Speedem" hitting only "high spots" likely mocks reckless speed or careless navigation—a humorous counterpoint to the serious invasion narrative. The piece satirizes both American isolationism and anxiety about technological military superiority.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
What If—? 'HE head of the greatest Republic and (among but few others) the most powerful ruler in the world sat in his private office when a visitor, bearing secret credentials from the head of the Navy Department, was announced. “There is not a moment to lose,” the letter ran. “Your Excellency is requested to listen to this man’s story. He is a patriot, reliable and favor- ably known to this department.” The visitor bowed as the President motioned him to a seat, but remained standing. “Your story is——? “This, Excellency, At this mo- ment a fleet of nearly thirty transports containing in all nearly one hundred and fifty thousand trained troops and fully equipped with munitions of war is approaching the coast, and within twenty hours will undoubtedly effect apprehensive Passenger: GREAT SCOTT, OLD MAN! DON'T YOU EVER a landing near Bar Harbor. They HIT ANYTHING? have invented appliances for landing Mr, Speedem; ONLY THE HIGH spots, nearly twenty thousand troops an hour. Nothing can stop them.” “And the country?” The patriot leaned over and whis- pered one word in the President's car. “But we are at peace with them Such a procedure is unprecedented. I cannot believe it.” “Pardon, your Excellency, The fact that there is no precedent is of no importance War destroys all precedents. Besides, these people have nothing to lose and everything to gain, Once landed, nothing can stop their progress. Within a week the vitals of this great country will be within their control.” “There is yet time. Mines can be laid.” j eeneseee: VUZE -AS SIGH eeereccccccooreoes Preece vececesccecoes regret that this cannot be done, your Excellency. The nearest war- ship is one hundred miles away. The enemy is fully informed of every movement. Their spies are every- where. My own footsteps have been dogged, and only by a miracle was my life twice saved on my way here.” cannot believe—” “Fortunately, I have the proof.” THE THEATRICAL SEASON OF 2001 (Continued on page 128.)