6 “What-ifs” that Could Have Changed the Timeline of History

History has always fascinated me. It might be silly of me, but I have often found myself lost in daydreams, fueled by the hypotheticals and “what-ifs” of events gone by. These hypotheticals conjure up many alternate realities, making me ponder just how different our world could have been. It’s riveting to consider how seemingly minor detours and decisions in history might have spawned a world unrecognizable to us. Here are six such moments that could have spun the wheels of fate in a dramatically different direction.

1- Cyrus the Great and the Return of the Jews (539 BC)

Cyrus, who established the mighty Achaemenid (or Persian) Empire, was much more than just a formidable conqueror. He was celebrated for his enlightened rule, exemplified by the Cyrus Cylinder, hailed as an early declaration of human rights. With a vision that championed unity and respect among varied cultures, Cyrus permitted the Jewish exiles in Babylon to journey back to their homeland. Had he chosen differently, the course of history might have been drastically altered. Christianity and Islam, which trace their roots to Judaism, might have never existed since they were established hundreds of years after this seemingly trivial (yet momentous) historical decision from Cyrus.

2- Alexander the Great’s Conquest of the Middle East (330 BC)

With his unparalleled military genius, Alexander sought to redraw the world map. His incendiary choice to decimate Persepolis marked the downfall of the colossal Persian Empire. The Hellenistic civilization that Alexander spread came at the cost of the annihilation of many, including the Persian, Egyptian, and even Indian realms. However, it’s tantalizing to ponder. Had he opted for coexistence over conquest, would the Middle East have maintained its global superpower stature, thus recalibrating global geopolitics and cultural evolution?

3- Hannibal and the Carthaginian Push for Rome (218–201 BC)

Hannibal Barca, the storied Carthaginian general, wasn’t merely a master tactician; he embodied the very spirit of defiance against Rome. His daring march across the Alps, armed with war elephants, is etched into historical legend. With victories at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and the crushing defeat of the Romans at Cannae, Hannibal’s name inspired both awe and fear. Yet, for all his genius on the battlefield, a crucial piece eluded him: unwavering support from Carthage itself.

Imagine if Carthage, sensing the magnitude of Hannibal’s successes, had poured in the much-needed reinforcements and funds. Rome, then a burgeoning republic, could have found itself under Carthaginian rule. Latin might not have been the lingua franca that influenced Western languages. The Roman pantheon, its law, architecture, and the very idea of the Senate might have remained provincial, replaced by Punic legacies and innovations. The Mediterranean could have evolved under a different hegemon, with ripples felt through millennia, creating a West shaped more by Carthage’s hand than Rome’s.

4- The Mongol Retreat from Europe (1242)

On the brink of redefining Europe, the Mongols, known for their relentless conquests and unparalleled warfare strategy, had Europe trembling in apprehension. Their intent was clear; they even warned the Vatican and Europe of their impending conquests. However, a twist of fate — the death of Ögedei Khan — led to their unforeseen withdrawal, as Mongol tradition mandated a return to Mongolia to choose the next leader.

Following this retreat, the Mongols never set their sights on Europe again. Instead, they shifted their focus to the Islamic world, culminating in the catastrophic sacking of Baghdad in 1258, which extinguished the Islamic Golden Age and the famed House of Wisdom. Concurrently, they also moved towards East Asia, particularly against the Song Dynasty, marking significant expansions in territories and the eventual rise of the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan.

5- The Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

The flames of religious conflict that consumed Europe reached a boiling point with the Thirty Years’ War from 1618 to 1648. Fueled by Protestant-Catholic disputes and the struggle for European dominance, it embroiled major powers like France, Sweden, Bohemia, and Spain. Cities lay in ruins. Populations were decimated, with casualties estimates ranging between 4.5 to 8 million deaths. The destruction was horrendous. Many regions witnessed a staggering population decrease of almost 50%. Story has it that in some parts of Bohemia — a historical region located in modern-day Czech Republic — the only survivors in some villages were a woman and her cow. The Treaty of Westphalia, which followed, was more than a mere peace accord. It revolutionized the concepts of diplomacy, sovereignty, and birthed the framework for the modern nation-state. More importantly, it provided Europe with stability and unity, catalyzing its subsequent ventures into colonization and global dominion.

6- Germany’s Decision to Invade Russia during WWII (1941)

Hitler’s decision to initiate Operation Barbarossa and invade Russia broke the non-aggression pact with Stalin and was a pivotal error. While the German army made rapid advances, reaching the outskirts of Moscow, they were unprepared for Russia’s severe winter and vast territory. The Soviets, galvanized by fierce determination, mounted significant counter-offensives. Had Hitler focused on solidifying his European gains, he might’ve posed a greater threat to the Allies, potentially subduing Britain. Instead, Russia’s resilience and the harsh winter sapped German strength, catalyzing their decline.

I could have listed many more pivotal moments — a few others include China’s decision to close its borders during the Ming dynasty, the twists and turns of the Indian freedom movement, or the Cuban Missile Crisis that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. If you believe I’ve overlooked any crucial events, I encourage you to bring them up the next time we speak, and delve into their potential implications on today’s timeline. I’m sure it would lead to an interesting conversation.

Lastly, I hope I’m not alone in saying that the “what-ifs” regarding these events make for exhilarating tales and films. Imagine the endless possibilities if one could somehow replay history by tweaking minor events and then witness the unfolding of an alternate historical narrative and timeline.