Chapter 1: Introduction to Robida's Futuristic Wars

Albert Robida’s science fiction narratives, particularly in La Vie Electrique, delve into the military implications of technological advancements, a theme he previously explored in his earlier novel, La Guerre au Vingtième Siècle ("War in the 20th Century"). His later work shifts focus toward the evolving ethics of warfare, contrasting with the earlier, more adventurous tone.

This article is part of a five-episode series examining Albert Robida's contributions to the genre. For a comprehensive understanding, reading the other articles is highly encouraged.

Robida does not explicitly predict the world wars; however, his narratives suggest that the 20th century is far from peaceful. While he refrains from detailing significant conflicts, it is evident that military forces continue to shape political dynamics, reminiscent of the 19th century. His portrayal of the French army in the 1950s mirrors the military of his time, depicting cavalry charges—now supplanted by motorized vehicles—coupled with artillery bombardments.

Section 1.1: The Evolution of Military Technology

Robida's vision includes motorized vehicles equipped with cannons and automatic weapons, showcasing an evolution from traditional warfare. He retains a nostalgic aesthetic, with images of gleaming helmets and large battalions clashing in close combat, although he often critiques this romanticized view. One notable illustration features "bicycletists," soldiers on velocipedes armed with lances, a nod to the late 19th-century practice of infantry cycling, originally used for intelligence and reconnaissance.

Nevertheless, he foresaw that future conflicts would involve cars and balloons, a prescient observation that materialized during World War I with the introduction of tanks, zeppelins, and airplanes. He recognized that while trench warfare and brutal encounters would persist, new technologies would facilitate more dynamic military strategies.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Transition to Mechanized Warfare

The concept of mechanized warfare was further echoed by H.G. Wells in his 1903 short story The Land Ironclads, which imagined heavily armored vehicles breaking through fortified trenches to support infantry. Lancelot Eldin De Mole's 1912 proposal for a tracked armored vehicle to safely transport soldiers over obstacles marked a significant development in military engineering, culminating in the first armored offensive in 1917.

Chapter 2: The Impersonality of Modern Warfare

Robida’s illustrations convey a sense of disillusionment with the impersonal nature of warfare, where mortar and cannon fire reduce soldiers to mere targets. He evokes nostalgia for the valor of close combat, contrasting it with the grim reality of modern conflict, where bravery is diminished to a desperate rush for survival amidst chaos.

The World of Steampunk - Episode 2 - This episode explores the implications of technological advancements in warfare, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers and commanders alike.