According to the type of conspiracy kooks who think we never landed on the moon and that the 9-11 attacks were staged by the U.S. government the world has only one year to live. December 21st, 2012 is the latest date for the supposed “end of the world” and this type of irrational mania hasn’t been so widespread since the Y2K panic. In the year to come I’ll look at some of the colorful end of the world scenarios that enjoyed a vogue in the past.
In the 1850’s there was a widespread belief that Napoleon III was the Anti-Christ. It was explained that the original Emperor Napoleon had returned in the body of this new French Emperor. This mythology stated that Napoleon III would conquer all of Europe, and as we all know from our modern- day Apocalypse kooks the idea of Europe under one nominal government like in the days of the Roman Empire always goes hand in hand with beliefs that “the end is near”. Remember when the European Union was announced? Or when it was just being discussed way back when? We were assured Armageddon was just around the corner then, too.
And speaking of Armageddon this 1850’s myth predicted that Napoleon III’s antics would result in a global war ushering in The End in the year … 1864. Naturally 1864 came and went like every other Deadline for Doomsday with the world still intact.
Balladeer's Blog 
I think there’s a new end of the world every year that passes by.
I know what you mean. By the way, what’s the link again so I can go vote to show I’m just “wild about Harry?”
Thanks Ed.
http://thedarkglobe.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/the-inaugural-dark-globes-artist-awards-voting-has-begun/
Oh my students are so going to love you for this one!!!
In a country that supposedly has no superstitions good greif they are more superstitious than any other culture I know of.
Bottom line… if the world ends. The world ends. There is nothing you or I can do to prevent it so may as well enjoy the time we have. Be it a day, a year, a zillion more years if they figure out how to reverse aging that is.
But I will be looking forward to these posts!!!!
Glad to hear it! I’ll cover all kinds of end-of he world scenarios.
Hard to believe China is that superstitious. I agree with you, though, that there’s nothing any of us can do about it if it happens. A massive earthquake could wipe out whole continents, leaving no trace of the civilization that died.
Great post, very funny and I love how you make it clear 9-11 truthers are as nutty as moon hoaxers.
This should be a fun new series. The world should be dead a thousand times over from all these predictions.
Thank you! I hope it will be fun for everybody!
Really funny! Dec 22nd 2012 will come and go with nothing happening.
interesting … Napoleon III as the antichrist? can’t wait to read more of these …
Thank you very much!..!
This was hysterical! I’m never thrilled with your language, but you are an equal opportunity offendor by taking on all religions so it’s a little easier to bear.
Ha! I know what you mean. Most people are really brave about bashing most religions but crawl for Islam. I never do, that’s for sure!
Interesting post. Never heard this particular one about the end of the world.
I’ve got many. many more to come!
This is great! I can’t wait to see some of the obscure end of the world scenarios u come up with!
Thank you! I’ll be digging!
Hey I think Kim Jong’s son is the real antichrist and he’ll cause the world to end in 2014.
We’ll mark it down! I think Justin Bieber is the real Antichrist and he’ll cause the world to end in 2039. (I’m kidding!)
Since you have so much mythology info how about a look at Ragnarok or other things?
That’s not a bad idea!
I honestly believe that the EOW scenarios(Extreme climate change, Obama being the AntiChrist or even just the forerunner, the new Pope caught the same flak, nuclear war, UN world domination, etc.) are just ways for conspiracy theorists and religious fanatics to reach their desired end: control. They want what Charles Manson had: mindless followers that wouldn’t dare question their leader.
You’re right. I think that’s it in a nutshell.