<P> In the near future , fertility rates collapse as a result of sexually transmitted diseases and environmental pollution . With this chaos , the totalitarian , theonomic government of `` Gilead '' establishes rule in the former United States in the aftermath of a civil war . Society is organized by power - hungry leaders along with a new , militarized , hierarchical regime of fanaticism and newly created social classes , in which women are brutally subjugated , and by law are not allowed to work , own property , handle money , or read . </P>
<P> In the near future , fertility rates collapse as a result of sexually transmitted diseases and environmental pollution . With this chaos , the totalitarian , theonomic government of `` Gilead '' establishes rule in the former United States in the aftermath of a civil war . Society is organized by power - hungry leaders along with a new , militarized , hierarchical regime of fanaticism and newly created social classes , in which women are brutally subjugated , and by law are not allowed to work , own property , handle money , or read . </P>
what year does the handmaid 's tale show take place
what year does the handmaid 's tale show take place
near future
near future