What is the Historical Context of the New Nautilus Series?

Adapted from Jules Verne's classic novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” the Nautilus (2024) series offers a contemporary reinterpretation of one of the founding works of science fiction. This adventure story, driven by the complex character of Captain Nemo, delves into a world where scientific exploration and technology collide with the political tensions of the Victorian era.

By integrating historical elements such as the colonial context and real scientific advances of the 19th century, the series goes beyond a simple homage to Verne. It subtly explores how the fascination with progress and the revolt against imperialism intertwine in a quest for freedom. This approach allows us to revisit a well-known story while making it more anchored in contemporary issues, resonating with our own vision of the past.

The technological context: a dive into the Victorian era

The series Nautilus takes place in the late 19th century, in the heart of the Victorian era, a period when industrialization profoundly transformed society. This era was marked by an industrial revolution that changed not only the economy but also culture, lifestyles, and the perception of progress. Technological innovation was at its peak, with advances such as electrification, steam engines, and the development of modern transportation, including the railway. This period also saw a push towards exploration and conquest, both on land and under the sea, stimulated by scientific curiosity and the desire to push the boundaries of the unknown.

The submarine Nautilusthe central element of the series, embodies this thirst for exploration and innovation that characterizes the era. Inspired by the pioneering work of pioneers such as Robert Fulton and Cornelius Drebbel, who developed prototype submarines in the early 19th century, the Nautilus represents the pinnacle of Victorian technological dreams. These early attempts at underwater navigation, although limited, demonstrate the era's determination to explore previously inaccessible environments.

In the series, the Nautilus is not only a technological feat but also a manifestation of the steampunk aesthetic, which marries historical elements with a futuristic vision of human potential. The submarine, with its advanced equipment and autonomy, reflects both the excessive ambitions of the Victorian era and the underlying fears linked to technological advances. It thus becomes a symbol of the power and control that technology promises. It also illustrates the tensions between peaceful exploration and the military use of the innovations of the time. The series thus captures the spirit of the times. Each new invention seemed to bring humanity closer to a future that was both bright and uncertain.

References to Colonization: A Subtle Critique of Imperialism

Captain Nemo, both in Jules Verne's novel and in the series, relates to the colonial spirit through his revolt against oppression. In some contemporary adaptations, including Nautilus, Nemo is presented as an Indian prince who lost his kingdom to British imperialism. This origin introduces a strong political dimension. It places the anti-colonial struggle at the center of the character's motivation.

The series Nautilus exploits this context by highlighting the political tensions of the Victorian era. In the Victorian era, colonization became one of the central policies of the British Empire. It saw itself as the dominant world power. During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), the empire extended over a quarter of the world's land mass and a fifth of the world's population. The colonies, spread across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, were exploited for their natural resources and their labor force. They served to fuel British industrialization.

Colonization was accompanied by the spread of British values. It was seen as a way to “civilize” the colonized peoples. But it also gave rise to deep resistance and violent conflicts. Colonial domination was justified by an ideology of racial and cultural superiority. However, it also rightly provoked resistance movements. These would culminate in the struggles for independence in the following century.

The injustices suffered by colonized peoples then find an echo in Nemo's journey. His fight against oppressive powers, in a specific geopolitical reality, becomes a symbol of resistance. This narrative choice allows the series to address universal themes such as freedom, justice, and the right to self-determination.

Scientific inspirations: credibility and technological precision

Although the Nautilus is a purely fictional creation, its operation is based on scientific bases that were plausible for the time. Jules Verne was inspired by recent scientific discoveries. The series takes up this approach by introducing credible, although slightly anachronistic, technological concepts. Electricity, underwater propulsion and energy autonomy are at the heart of the technological prowess of the Nautilus.

In the universe of the series, these technologies are presented with a concern for realism that makes the whole thing credible. Concretely, electricity is generated from the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy. This could be interpreted as a process close to the dynamos or thermopiles of the time. They used heat to produce current. This current powers not only the lights and equipment on board, but also the submarine's propulsion systems.

For the production of oxygen, the Nautilus uses water electrolysis. This chemical process splits water into oxygen and hydrogen using an electric current. The submarine is also equipped with devices that mimic photosynthesis. They absorb the carbon dioxide exhaled by the crew and convert it into oxygen. This allows for continuous regeneration of the air on board.

By integrating scientific concepts in an accessible way, Nautilus pays homage to Jules Verne's vision while modernizing it for a contemporary audience. This scientific rigor, mixed with imagination, gives the series an almost educational dimension. It reminds us that fiction can be a powerful way to popularize complex concepts. The series succeeds in giving new life to the myth of Nemo.