Welcome to the main page for the 2000: Shutdown ATL
This timeline explores what would have happened if the Y2K Bug went viral on the midnight of January 1, 2000.
Background[]
During the closing years of the 20th century, computer experts discovered a bug that hinted that the following century would be no less eventful that this one. This bug was known as the Y2K bug, and would be set of by computers being unable to properly change their date to the year 2000 when the new millennium hit. This bug became more well known in the 1990s, and many feared that society would collapse as a result of this. In our timeline, the Y2K bug was fixed due to increased awareness of the situation, and computers continued to function into the 21st century. But what if, in an alternate timeline, it wasn't fixed?
1985: Point of Divergence[]
Unlike in OTL, Usenet user Spencer Bolles does not discover the Y2K bug, and it goes unattended
January 1, 2000: Disaster strikes[]
As midnight hit, computers around the world ceased to function. People everywhere were absolutely confused but it was too late-the world had been set back to the 1940s.
A few weeks into the new year, a global recession hit, sending most nations into chaos. Nations like Germany were able to recover easily due their infrastructure, rivaling both the United States and China.
Technologically, things went back to the way they were 60 years before. Typewriters replaced desktops, and people adopted a more analog lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the world saw a cultural rebirth, as people looked back and saw the 20th century as a better time in history
In the long run, computers are not expected to make a comeback until 2060. Scientists everywhere are doing everything to bring back the technology. Generation Z, which grew up with computers and the internet in our timeline, will not know what any of that is until their old age.
The following pages give details into this post-Y2K world:
Geopolitics[]
- Superpowers
- Economy
People[]
Science and Technology[]
- Communications and mass media
- Computers
- Transportation (2000: Shutdown)
Culture[]
- Music
- Cinema
- Television
- Comic Books
- Literature
- Education
- Games