In 1933, Time Magazine articulated a skeptical perspective on Technocracy, a movement that sought to apply scientific and engineering principles to society’s governance and economic structures. This interest was sparked by Technocrats publishing the book “Roosevelt and Technocracy,” in which they proposed that Franklin D. Roosevelt should become a dictator and dismiss Congress, allowing Technocrats to take charge of the country. Although Roosevelt ultimately did not accept their ideas, the Technocratic movement had notable influences on the New Deal, reshaping governmental policies during a time of economic strife. Patrick Wood, editor at Technocracy News & Trends, emphasizes the ambition and controversy surrounding this early 20th-century initiative, marked by hopes of merging scientific expertise with political authority.
At that time, Technocracy had been generating extensive public interest, capturing attention not only in the media but also inciting various social reactions. A surge of news stories emerged, highlighting various events linked to the Technocratic movement, from arrests in Chicago related to political debates to new cultural expressions like a dance named after it. The formation of the Technocratic Party in the U.S. demonstrated the movement’s active organization, drawing on varied community support. A lavish dinner at the Hotel Pierre in Manhattan, attended by prominent banks, industrialists, and artists, further showcased the movement’s serious intentions to solidify its role on the national stage.
Howard Scott, a leading voice for Technocracy, delivered a riveting speech at the Manhattan event, claiming that the organization had transformed from obscurity to a substantial force with a significant impact. His assertion that their 14,000-word manifesto might be among the most influential writings of their time underscored Technocracy’s ambition to define a new socio-economic paradigm. However, despite his confident rhetoric, the Technocrats displayed a contentious posture towards critics, believing that time would validate their ideals without needing to engage in direct debate with those opposed to them.
The burgeoning interest in Technocracy sparked intense competition among publishers eager to capitalize on the movement. Several books detailing Technocratic theories emerged, signaling its penetration into popular consciousness. Traditional publishing houses scrambled to produce works that catered to the growing curiosity, leading to varied interpretations and defenses of Technocratic principles by established intellectuals. Notable publications included John Day’s interpretations and Graham A. Laing’s “Towards Technocracy,” underscoring the multidisciplinary attention Technocracy was garnering from engineers, economists, and social thinkers.
This fascination contributed to an avalanche of media coverage, with newspapers and magazines inundated by articles, advertisements, and features discussing Technocracy’s potential. Newsreels proclaimed promises of prosperity through Technocratic implementation, reinforcing the movement’s allure amid the Great Depression. Even humor was not lost on the topic, with cartoons lampooning Technocratic concepts, illustrating the public’s engagement and varying reactions to its radically mechanistic ideas. Not everyone viewed Technocracy favorably; established organizations and intellectuals at various academic institutions dismissed it as a pretentious and misguided ideology.
Ultimately, Technocracy’s emergence coincided with a pivotal moment in American societal evolution, provoking international and domestic discourse on political and economic reforms. The London Weekend Review noted the distinct American psyche that characterized this period, suggesting that the Technocratic movement could resonate more profoundly due to America’s growing disillusionment with traditional political approaches. As Technocracy continued to stimulate conversations across various sectors, its implications were felt far beyond U.S. borders, intertwining with global discussions about the potential of a new social order. Even a local store in Monrovia, California, humorously reflected the movement’s zeitgeist with a “Pre-Technocracy Clearance Sale” sign, illustrating the widespread cultural impact the Technocracy had at that time.
