The road not taken: The socialist utopia of Edward Bellamy

In the aftermath of American Civil War, the United States underwent a serious change in its social, political and economic order. Gone was the Thomas Jefferson?s ideal of the United States that stood on the shoulders of the yeoman farmer. The blessings of technology and economic growth in addition to the firm belief in laissez faire capitalism and individualism shaped the future of the American nation. Under the leadership of captains of industry, namely the robber barons, the largest industries rose. Nevertheless, the inevitable consequences of this boom such as urbanization, immigration and pauperization were obviously seen in the growing portrait of an industrial America and the dissenting voices soon heard after many recurring economic depressions and labor unrest.At the turn of the new century, the attempts to address these social problems of America have been well documented by historians. For many, there was a better road to prosperity than rampant capitalism. Cooperation, planned economy, positive assistance by the state could turn social anarchy, caused by capitalism, to social order for unity and happiness for all. Although these socialistic means were criticized for being anti-American and foreign born ideas, they are in harmony with American traditions because they highlight social justice, economic security, equality of opportunity and peace which were also underlined by both Declaration of Independence and American Constitution.In this context, utopian literature undertakes a crucial role to exhibit the ills of the social order and reinvigorate the hopes for a better tomorrow. Their importance is neglected in historical analysis, yet the great bulk of utopian literature produced during the fin de siècle portrays another American dream for future. The most significant of these socialist utopian novels was Looking Backward 2000 ? 1887 written by Edward Bellamy. It sold millions and inspired many more at a time when the labor question was the most serious issue. Therefore, the objective of this thesis is to study how Bellamy frames the promised American dream for every citizen and to examine the reasons why it fell short of its goals despite its popularity and the great impact it had on society.Keywords: Gilded Age, Utopian Literature, Edward Bellamy, American Socialism.