10 Great “What Ifs” of American History

This 10-week course explores significant hypothetical scenarios in American history, examining how different outcomes could have shaped the nation. Each lecture is dedicated to a major “what-if” moment, ranging from political decisions, military conflicts, and key moments of technological or social change. The course delves into alternative histories such as what might have happened if the American Revolution had failed, if the Confederacy had won the Civil War, or if key presidential elections had swung differently. By exploring these scenarios, the course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and influential moments of American history, highlighting how seemingly small changes could have led to dramatically different futures. It combines historical facts with speculative analysis to engage students in critical thinking about history and its contingent nature.