What are some classic alternate war novels?

One popular one is 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris. It imagines a world where Germany won World War II and the Cold War has a very different dynamic within that alternate reality.

One great alternate civil war history novel is 'The Guns of the South' by Harry Turtledove. It presents a fascinating scenario where time - traveling South Africans provide the Confederacy with AK - 47s. Another is 'Confederates in the Attic' by Tony Horwitz. It's not a traditional alternate history novel but offers unique perspectives on the Civil War and its lingering effects. And 'How Few Remain' by Harry Turtledove also explores an alternate path of the Civil War and its aftermath.

A third example is 'SS - GB' by Len Deighton. In this alternate history, Britain has been invaded and occupied by the Germans. It delves into the complex relationships and power struggles in this occupied Britain, exploring how different characters adapt or resist the new order.

Characteristics? Well, they often play with the idea of power dynamics. If the Axis had won, who would be in control and how? These novels also tend to be very atmospheric. Take 'The Man in the High Castle', the descriptions of the occupied territories create a sense of unease and a different kind of world. They also explore moral and ethical questions. What if the Nazis had continued their rule? How would people resist or conform? And they can bring in elements of science fiction or the supernatural in some cases to further distort the known historical picture.

Civil war alternate history novels typically have a strong sense of 'what if'. They take real historical events, like the battles, the leadership, and the social divides of the Civil War, and then twist them. They may introduce new technologies or outside influences that didn't exist in our real history. These novels also tend to focus on the long - term consequences of the altered events, such as how the nation's identity, economy, and international relations would be different. For instance, if the North had lost, how would the United States be seen in the international community? How would trade be affected? These are the kinds of questions these novels explore. Moreover, they often humanize historical figures in new ways, showing different sides of them based on the changed circumstances.

One common theme is the 'what if' factor. For example, what if the Confederacy had access to more advanced weaponry? This is seen in 'The Guns of the South' where the introduction of modern guns changes the course of the war. Another theme is the exploration of different social and political outcomes. If the South had won the Civil War, how would society be different? Racism, slavery, and states' rights are often re - examined in these alternate scenarios.

One great civil war alternate history novel is 'The Guns of the South' by Harry Turtledove. It presents a fascinating scenario where time - traveling South Africans provide the Confederacy with AK - 47s. Another is 'Lincoln's Dreams' by Connie Willis, which also plays with the idea of an altered Civil War in a more dream - like and mysterious way. And '1862' by Robert Conroy is also worth reading as it offers a different take on the events of that year during the Civil War.

Another is 'The Civil War: A Novel' by Shelby Foote. While it's more of a traditional retelling of the events, it gives a very in - depth look at the different aspects of the Civil War. It's like you're right there in the middle of the battles and political intrigue. Foote's writing is so vivid that it makes you feel as if you are a part of that era. It's not strictly an 'alternate' civil war novel in the sense of changing major historical facts, but it gives you a great understanding of the real events which can be a basis for imagining alternates.

One great alternate World War 2 novel is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate reality where the Axis powers won the war. Another is 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris, which imagines a world in which Germany won the war and is set in 1964. 'SS - GB' by Len Deighton is also notable, with a story set in a Britain occupied by the Nazis.

In an alternate history where the Mongols continued their expansion into Europe and successfully conquered it all, there would be a unique blend of cultures. Eurasia could have become a single, vast empire. Horse - based warfare and nomadic traditions might have influenced European society deeply, changing everything from art to governance.