There are so many historical points that one could gravitate towards and wonder, “What if?” One such point in history is the 13 Colonies and the American Revolution. There haven’t been a ton of alternate histories exploring this point in history. As an American, it’s frightening to think what the world would have been like without the US as we know it today.
Maybe that’s my inherent bias, but something must be said about America’s role in ending two world wars and averting another world war since 1945 (though there have been close calls) by maintaining free trade across the world. So, in this brief blog, I’ll explore some potential tangents that could have happened and highlight a few books that have attempted to write about the subject.
A Different Declaration
There could have been different events rather than the fervor for independence rising to a boiling point. There were many grievances against British rule in colonies, but in this alternate history, diplomacy prevails. The Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the Intolerable Acts lead not to revolution but to a series of compromises.
The British Parliament, recognizing the potential loss, offers the colonies greater self-governance, averting the path to independence (perhaps a precursor to the eventual Statute of Westminster of 1931.) Initially, the Continental Congress was a platform for airing grievances. It evolved into a legislative body within a grand British Empire that spans the Atlantic and eventually becomes a Commonwealth nation.
The Role of Native American Tribes
The Native American tribes, without the result of Manifest Destiny with a contained colonial nation, would have had a significant impact in shaping the continent. In this alternate narrative, alliances and wars between the colonies and Native American tribes would have led to a different regional power dynamic. Take the Iroquois Confederacy, for example, which might have been a more central political force beyond the years of the American Revolution had the British won the war. But there’s a lot one could do with all the tribes west of the original colonies.
Other European Nations
Another scenario is if the British were not the dominant European power in North America. That would mean the Dutch, French, and/or Spanish would’ve maintained stronger footholds in the New World. For instance, maybe New Amsterdam will never become New York, remaining a vibrant Dutch metropolis. Maybe the French do not sell the territories that made up the Louisiana Purchase. Or perhaps the Spanish expand further beyond Flordia. All of which would directly impact Native American tribes.
Books Covering the Topic
Sadly, there aren’t a ton of novels out there that explore this particular time in history. Eric Flint, who had three books on my other blog called The Ultimate List of Nearly 100 Best Alternate History Books, has some novels that deal with the Americas. Here’s a short list of others:
The Forest of Time by Michael Flynn
The story follows the journey of a man stranded in an alternate version of America, where the United States never came into existence. Instead, the continent is divided into many independent city-states and small nations, each with a distinct culture and political system.
For Want of a Nail: If Burgoyne Had Won at Saratoga by Robert Sobel
An alternate history that explores the consequences of a British victory in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. Had it swung in favor of the British, this pivotal moment would be used as a divergence point from our known history, leading to a radically different North American and global landscape.
Second Chance by Micahel Roberts
The first book in the Pale Rider series, it is a blend of time travel and alternate history fiction that resonates with the adventurous spirit of Jack Reacher and the historical intrigue of "The Patriot." The story unfolds in a world where the American Rebellion against the British in the 1700s ended in defeat, leaving the colonists to endure centuries of hardship under the oppressive rule of the English crown.
Turning Points―Actual and Alternate Histories: Colonial America from Settlement to the Revolution by Rodney P. Carlisle (editor), J. Geoffrey Golson
This one is a non-fiction book, but still worth noting. It’s a textbook exploring pivotal moments in the early history of what would become the United States. This work examines historical events and speculates alternate scenarios that could have emerged from critical junctures in colonial American history. The book delves into various "what if" scenarios, questioning how different outcomes could have reshaped North America's social, political, and economic landscape and, by extension, the world. Each chapter focuses on a specific turning point, providing a detailed analysis of the event, its context, and its immediate and long-term impacts. The alternate histories proposed in the book are grounded in scholarly research and historical data, offering plausible divergences rather than mere speculative fiction.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of alternate scenarios for the 13 colonies nor novels that potentially deal with the topic. But there is no doubt that even with these few ideas, it exposes the fragile nature of history and the profound impact of seemingly minor events on the broader historical outcome. As we ponder these divergent paths, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of historical events that led to the formation of the United States and its role on the global stage.
To explore alternate history further, start with the first blog in this ongoing series here.
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