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1920: America's Great War
By the author of breakout WW II era alternate history Himmler’s War and Rising Sun, a compelling alternate history thriller.After winning WW I, Germany invades America in 1920, marching through California and Texas as a desperate nation resists.
Consider another 1920: Imperial Germany has become the most powerful nation in the world. In 1914, she had crushed England, France, and Russia in a war that was short but entirely devastating.
By 1920, Kaiser Wilhelm II is looking for new lands to devour. The United States is fast becoming an economic super-power and the only nation that can conceivably threaten Germany. The U.S. is militarily inept, however, and is led by a sick and delusional president who wanted to avoid war at any price. Thus, Germany is able to ship a huge army to Mexico to support a puppet government.
Her real goal: the invasion and permanent conquest of California and Texas.
America desperately resists as the mightiest and most brutal army in the world in a battle fought on land, at sea, and in the air as enemy armies savagely marched up on California, and move north towards a second Battle of the Alamo. Only the indomitable spirit of freedom can answer the Kaiser's challenge.
Consider another 1920: Imperial Germany has become the most powerful nation in the world. In 1914, she had crushed England, France, and Russia in a war that was short but entirely devastating.
By 1920, Kaiser Wilhelm II is looking for new lands to devour. The United States is fast becoming an economic super-power and the only nation that can conceivably threaten Germany. The U.S. is militarily inept, however, and is led by a sick and delusional president who wanted to avoid war at any price. Thus, Germany is able to ship a huge army to Mexico to support a puppet government.
Her real goal: the invasion and permanent conquest of California and Texas.
America desperately resists as the mightiest and most brutal army in the world in a battle fought on land, at sea, and in the air as enemy armies savagely marched up on California, and move north towards a second Battle of the Alamo. Only the indomitable spirit of freedom can answer the Kaiser's challenge.
354 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2013
43 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Robert Conroy
26 books196 followersRobert Conroy was a best selling author of alternate history novels. His 1942, which is set within a Japanese conquest of Hawaii, won the prestigious Sidewise Award for alternate histories.
After taking early retirement from automotive management, Conroy decided to combine his loves of history and writing. After discovering that Kaiser Wilhelm had plans to invade the U.S., he wrote his first alternate history, 1901 in which the invasion took place. He found alternate history fascinating and the possibilities never-ending. He also wrote for Military History Magazine.
Conroy had a MBA, was a US Army Veteran and was a retired instructor at Macomb Community College. He had a married daughter and two grandsons. He lived in southeastern Michigan with his wife of forty-plus years. He passed away in December 2014 from Cancer.
After taking early retirement from automotive management, Conroy decided to combine his loves of history and writing. After discovering that Kaiser Wilhelm had plans to invade the U.S., he wrote his first alternate history, 1901 in which the invasion took place. He found alternate history fascinating and the possibilities never-ending. He also wrote for Military History Magazine.
Conroy had a MBA, was a US Army Veteran and was a retired instructor at Macomb Community College. He had a married daughter and two grandsons. He lived in southeastern Michigan with his wife of forty-plus years. He passed away in December 2014 from Cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 11, 2014
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
1920: America's Great War is alternate history at its best. It is fast. It’s fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. Nor does it pretend to give you a history lesson in disguise. Nope, Robert Conroy has written a real page-turner that has interesting characters and an engrossing plot that does a great job of doing just what it is suppose to do: entertain its reader!
In this alternative world, the Great War in Europe, or World War I as it is now duped, lasts only a few months, as the French do not halt the German army at the Battle of the Marne but are instead given a final defeat that leads to their surrender. Thereafter, the British Expeditionary Force attempts to fight its way to the Mediterranean coast and escape by sea, but they are cornered and brought to heel in southern France. A triumphant Germany then goes on to obliterating the armies of the Tsar of Russia, resulting in a peace treaty that leaves Germany as the supreme power on the European continent and gifts her with even more overseas colonies. The German Empire is now the preeminent power in the world and is supreme everywhere! Well, maybe not on the high seas, because the British Navy still rules there, but the German Navy will deal with the Brits soon enough.
At this point in time, the U.S. is in pretty pathetic shape. She never involved herself in the European conflict, and so her army and navy are almost non-existence. She has a pacifistic President in Woodrow Wilson, who has reduced the armed forces and sincerely believes that there will be no more wars and that peace will now reign eternally. And even when Germany involves itself in a revolution in Mexico and sends troops there, the United States still clings to its belief that the peace between herself and Germany will last forever.
Naturally, President Wilson and the other appeasers are dead wrong on the Kaiser’s intentions in North America. (I mean, otherwise, there would not be a book, right?) For the ruler of Germany is growing older and he is determined to leave to his heir a world dominated by Germany and without fear of any potential rivals, and the Kaiser clearly envisions that the United States - if awoken - has the hidden seed of a superpower within her pathetic breast. A power that could very well upset this new Pax Germanica. And the Kaiser is determined to stop this threat before it ever rears its ugly head!
The stage is set for a fun-filled alternative history tale!
And boy, does Mr. Conroy deliver.
You want political intrigue between nations? They are here.
You’d like to sit in on desperate military commanders trying to slow down an overwhelming attack? Come on in.
The horrible realities of civilians caught in a war? They are touched upon without being too realistic for this type of story.
Naval battles? Check.
Famous people from history making appearances? No problem.
Honestly, 1920: America’s Great War is a very accessible and readable story. Its characters - while generally one dimensional - are plausible, easy to root for or against, and compliment one another, while the historical world they inhabit is genuine enough that the tale never seems too “far-fetched.” Like all novels, however, I found a few things that I wish would have been handled better by the author, and I cannot help but list them - though I promise to be brief.
1) As many other reviewers have pointed out, Mr. Conroy takes many liberties with the historical facts of this time period. Certain equipment that play major roles in this story was not “invented” until later on in World War I, and since in this alternative world, WWI only lasted a few months, those aircraft, tanks, et cetera would not have even existed for use in a German-American War. Also, many of the armaments and fortifications that the U.S. did have in 1920 are omitted to make the U.S.’s position even more pathetic than it really ways. And Germany’s ability (financially/logistically) and its desire to wage a war half a world away in North America is doubtful at best.
2) Everyone in the novel basically talks like they are living around the corner from the author in twenty-first century America. Oh, there might be a few figures of speech from the early twentieth century, but overall, Mr. Conroy does not attempt to mimic the culture or speaking styles of this period of history. So if you are looking for a novel that has the “look” and "feel" of 1920's America or Germany, this is not the book for you.
Other than these “historical” criticism, I found 1920: America’s Great War a fascinating novel and an excellent read. Mr. Conroy’s obvious love of history comes across in this story, and while he has altered the facts to his liking, he has done so to make the book more dramatic and circumstances more ominous, which is perfectly acceptable in this kind of novel. Give this one a try, it is highly recommended for alternative history buffs everywhere!
Netgalley provided this book to me for free in return for an honest review. The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.
1920: America's Great War is alternate history at its best. It is fast. It’s fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. Nor does it pretend to give you a history lesson in disguise. Nope, Robert Conroy has written a real page-turner that has interesting characters and an engrossing plot that does a great job of doing just what it is suppose to do: entertain its reader!
In this alternative world, the Great War in Europe, or World War I as it is now duped, lasts only a few months, as the French do not halt the German army at the Battle of the Marne but are instead given a final defeat that leads to their surrender. Thereafter, the British Expeditionary Force attempts to fight its way to the Mediterranean coast and escape by sea, but they are cornered and brought to heel in southern France. A triumphant Germany then goes on to obliterating the armies of the Tsar of Russia, resulting in a peace treaty that leaves Germany as the supreme power on the European continent and gifts her with even more overseas colonies. The German Empire is now the preeminent power in the world and is supreme everywhere! Well, maybe not on the high seas, because the British Navy still rules there, but the German Navy will deal with the Brits soon enough.
At this point in time, the U.S. is in pretty pathetic shape. She never involved herself in the European conflict, and so her army and navy are almost non-existence. She has a pacifistic President in Woodrow Wilson, who has reduced the armed forces and sincerely believes that there will be no more wars and that peace will now reign eternally. And even when Germany involves itself in a revolution in Mexico and sends troops there, the United States still clings to its belief that the peace between herself and Germany will last forever.
Naturally, President Wilson and the other appeasers are dead wrong on the Kaiser’s intentions in North America. (I mean, otherwise, there would not be a book, right?) For the ruler of Germany is growing older and he is determined to leave to his heir a world dominated by Germany and without fear of any potential rivals, and the Kaiser clearly envisions that the United States - if awoken - has the hidden seed of a superpower within her pathetic breast. A power that could very well upset this new Pax Germanica. And the Kaiser is determined to stop this threat before it ever rears its ugly head!
The stage is set for a fun-filled alternative history tale!
And boy, does Mr. Conroy deliver.
You want political intrigue between nations? They are here.
You’d like to sit in on desperate military commanders trying to slow down an overwhelming attack? Come on in.
The horrible realities of civilians caught in a war? They are touched upon without being too realistic for this type of story.
Naval battles? Check.
Famous people from history making appearances? No problem.
Honestly, 1920: America’s Great War is a very accessible and readable story. Its characters - while generally one dimensional - are plausible, easy to root for or against, and compliment one another, while the historical world they inhabit is genuine enough that the tale never seems too “far-fetched.” Like all novels, however, I found a few things that I wish would have been handled better by the author, and I cannot help but list them - though I promise to be brief.
1) As many other reviewers have pointed out, Mr. Conroy takes many liberties with the historical facts of this time period. Certain equipment that play major roles in this story was not “invented” until later on in World War I, and since in this alternative world, WWI only lasted a few months, those aircraft, tanks, et cetera would not have even existed for use in a German-American War. Also, many of the armaments and fortifications that the U.S. did have in 1920 are omitted to make the U.S.’s position even more pathetic than it really ways. And Germany’s ability (financially/logistically) and its desire to wage a war half a world away in North America is doubtful at best.
2) Everyone in the novel basically talks like they are living around the corner from the author in twenty-first century America. Oh, there might be a few figures of speech from the early twentieth century, but overall, Mr. Conroy does not attempt to mimic the culture or speaking styles of this period of history. So if you are looking for a novel that has the “look” and "feel" of 1920's America or Germany, this is not the book for you.
Other than these “historical” criticism, I found 1920: America’s Great War a fascinating novel and an excellent read. Mr. Conroy’s obvious love of history comes across in this story, and while he has altered the facts to his liking, he has done so to make the book more dramatic and circumstances more ominous, which is perfectly acceptable in this kind of novel. Give this one a try, it is highly recommended for alternative history buffs everywhere!
Netgalley provided this book to me for free in return for an honest review. The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.
June 14, 2019
Not a bad read. I tend to love good alternate history and this one is a good sound "okay". I've always been fascinated by the "what ifs" of the First World War. So much is almost totally unknown by the general public anymore. History taught in schools has been slipping for many years and it often resembles more of an outline than actual history. In the last generation so much has been switched to...well propaganda.
Anyway, did you know that Germany paid Mexico to invade the U.S.? It didn't come off but it does make a good story.
The Kaiser also has a plan to invade New York...that didn't come off either.
Anyway we get the story from several points of view. The book does sort of bog down several times but it pulls out each time. I can't say it's the best alternate history I've ever read but it's pretty good. I'd say give it a try.
Anyway, did you know that Germany paid Mexico to invade the U.S.? It didn't come off but it does make a good story.
The Kaiser also has a plan to invade New York...that didn't come off either.
Anyway we get the story from several points of view. The book does sort of bog down several times but it pulls out each time. I can't say it's the best alternate history I've ever read but it's pretty good. I'd say give it a try.
November 8, 2013
1901 was the first of Master Conroy’s novels I read way back, when 1920 America’s Great War came out, I was in two minds over this particular spin on an alternate war scenario simply because he had already fought it out before, the only difference being as far as I could tell was that he was fighting the fight on the Western seaboard as opposed to the Eastern one. The altered history, the cause and effect of a German early victory in 1914 over Britain and France created a new Europe with Imperial Germany at its centre, Belgium annexed, Ireland independent and her firm ally, leaving the two losers France and Britain cowed, and Russian still fighting a revolution against the rebels led by Trotsky (an amusing tweak of fate I liked), the world was a different place.
True it did not bode well from the offset when he used a number of similar passages from his first offering appeared, the use of barbed wire, covert European aid and the protection of the US navies remaining assets by the Royal Navy, but then it began to get interesting.
One of the great things about Robert Conroy is his use/mix of real and imaginary characters and how the two different peoples intermix and drive the narrative forward, negating the “well I don’t think he would have done that” argument of the supporters of a particular true person. His use of the real, even in passing, mere guests characters always added to the joy of the story, such Amelia Earhart, and Erwin Rommel (mentioned in passing), not exactly relevant to the storyline just created a new texture to the tale.
The set piece battle sequences were of a similar standard to those of his other works, the best and most memorable and of praise worthy note was the entrance of the German Imperial battle fleet into San Francisco Bay and the destructive rampage the ships went onto cause and the consequences of there actions. The battleship Bayern in action and aflame was truly excellent as it moved into Bay and air /naval actions afterwards did not disappoint.
If you like to re-imagine a new way to fight a war if certain parts of the original had been removed, ie the evils of gas attacks, Mexico attempting to retake the Alamo, cavalry actions in the deserts California and German covert special opp’s teams running rampant behind the lines, then this is the book for you, with plenty for all.
True it did not bode well from the offset when he used a number of similar passages from his first offering appeared, the use of barbed wire, covert European aid and the protection of the US navies remaining assets by the Royal Navy, but then it began to get interesting.
One of the great things about Robert Conroy is his use/mix of real and imaginary characters and how the two different peoples intermix and drive the narrative forward, negating the “well I don’t think he would have done that” argument of the supporters of a particular true person. His use of the real, even in passing, mere guests characters always added to the joy of the story, such Amelia Earhart, and Erwin Rommel (mentioned in passing), not exactly relevant to the storyline just created a new texture to the tale.
The set piece battle sequences were of a similar standard to those of his other works, the best and most memorable and of praise worthy note was the entrance of the German Imperial battle fleet into San Francisco Bay and the destructive rampage the ships went onto cause and the consequences of there actions. The battleship Bayern in action and aflame was truly excellent as it moved into Bay and air /naval actions afterwards did not disappoint.
If you like to re-imagine a new way to fight a war if certain parts of the original had been removed, ie the evils of gas attacks, Mexico attempting to retake the Alamo, cavalry actions in the deserts California and German covert special opp’s teams running rampant behind the lines, then this is the book for you, with plenty for all.
March 15, 2014
Conroy has long since proven that he can routinely find interesting breaking points in history and work out credible deviations from what we could find in our world's history books. And 1920 is no exception from this rule. Point of Divergence here is the battle at the Marne, which due to hesitant french generals, was won by the Kaiserreich, chasing both the french and british armies to the Atlantic shore and taking the bulk of Infantry prisoner, thus deciding the war in about a year and emerging as the sole military power in Europe. Kaiser Wilhelm goes on to annex Belgium and the Netherlands, exert control over Scandinavia and pose a dagger of threat at the British throat through taking over the channel ports in Normandy...
And he kept the Tsar in power by supporting him in the struggle against his own revolting subjects.
Now it's 1920 and things look great for Germany. Except that is the ressource situation. Meanwhile all big warships are guzzling oil instead of coal like a short generation before... How can you stay a naval world power and dominate the oceans like the continental landmass if your ships can't freely rove wherever they need to be due to lack of fuel? So what to do, where to go to, to find the direly needed oil? Well in 1920 one of the most productive centers of oil production is in sunny California. Some negotiations with the corrupt mexican government later and the plan is forged to invade the USA and take from them the four southernmost states of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico for Mexico and California for the germans... And under the command of Crown Prince William the expedition seems to be a great success, America is woefully underprepared due to the idea of recently deceased President Wilson that the short european war was the last one to ever be fought. Saboteurs, smuggled into the country right before the army started to move, disconnect communication lines and railroads throughout the mountain passes, effectively isolating California from the bigger part of the lower 48. A slow, but seemingly unstoppable progress on San Diego, Los Angeles and ultimately San Francisco only finds minimal resistance, badly organized and underequipped to deal with the fieldgrey warmachine. And Mexico cuts into Texas with a wrath kept alive all the time since the Mexican war and secession of Tejas from their country. At San Antonio the monumental Alamo fortification is shelled to rubble to make a point.
And to topp it all off just as the Ministry of War gets their feet back under recruitment and training the "Spanish influenza" which due to the short war never hit Spain or the rest of Europe, devastates the spartanic training camps all over the land, quite literally decimating the fledgling troops (i.e. killing about every tenth recruit in them)
The only success on side of the Americans is the saving of most of their fleet... sacrificing the older, not so fast ships the modern core battlegroup consisting of Nevada, Pennsylvania and Arizona escapes to Puget Sound and the safe embrace of british neutrality in the commonly administrated waters. But a ten battleship strong detachment of the Hoch See Flotte is waiting for them, lording over the West Coast like a fist in an iron glove. Still submarines and smaller ships manage to disturb the continuous line of freighters delivering the replacements for the supplies guzzled up by the greedy lindwurm of the Invasion forces... fuel, ammunition, food and equipment, even some troops to strengthen the shaky position in the giant country, all has to come over the Pacific Ocean from thousands of miles away and now only half of it reaches the German Expeditionary Forces.
So far to the build-up of the story, telling more would certainly destroy a bit of the surprise and suspense contained in the story. Sadly the second half isn't quite as strong as this part who's delving into the situation, which is in my eyes caused by two major reasons..:
- First the Enemy is thoroughly bedeviled. Yes, war is cruel, war is hell, war isn't nice and healthy for the civilian population. But if you manage to only ever show german characters awfully abusing soldiers, prisoners and civilian americans in the conquered territories alike, presenting attitudes that would please every second world war SS officer. I can't even remember a single german soldier described as anything like another joe grunt just doing his duty in the service of his Kaiser without resorting to atrocious war crimes or spouting off antisemitic rhetoric like it was the dernier cri.... In general the story is told solely from a US perspective and the evil, ugly germans stay appropriately faceless, unless the effect of a new plan is needing demonstration, then you now and then get two pages from a german promptly dying in the latest brilliant trap/attack... I could understand a bit of bias in the way the protagonists SEE the invaders, but to either omit their side of things as good as completely or to stilize them as barbarian horde who'd make the SS rampaging through soviet Russia pale in comparison is going just a tad too far and took a lot of enjoyment out of the text for me. While it's true that the Army fo the Kaiserreich was in some ways the core and seedling for the later Third Reich armies, there certainly was a big difference in self image and general conduct.
- secondly there's the oh-so-common Alternate history bane of a mixture between publisher imposed page limits and let's call it the sluggishness of history... both of which conspire to at one point lead back the valiantly built up divergence from real life history into the narrow confines of the expected results recorded in the very same histories... most of the decisive figures would have been notorious leaders in first or second world war and of course the way the situation evolves and changes will more often than not mirror some or most of the developments never coming to live in this world due to the divergence in the first place. One of the examples i could call here is the first appearance of tanks on the battlefield which somewhat duplicates the 1916 situation when they turned up in the established historical frame... others take events from the late twenties or thirties and put them into this time frame for convenience's sake like the emerging plane strategy of fighting naval units that ultimately led to the mighty carriers of second world war and the gruesome death of the Battleship as major weaponsystem at sea...
I really miss similarly bold divergences in the conduct of the war as we've seen in its construction as an alternative history, it's too comfortable to give the reader what they already know and either ignore or slightly twist the already changed variables to bend the story's course back to the known and favored outcome.
I can only think of one really bold move in the latter half of the story, namely Hoover's unorthodox way to enable the river crossing by the american reinforcements for San Francisco. Even Operation Firefly has come long in preparation and hints when it ultimately starts making use of all the carefully shown elements of aircraft warfare introduced before... but it completely neglects the long time domination of the skys by the vastly superior german fighters both in numbers and training for a cheap effects shot.
All in all the book was fun read and i liked the american protagonists we were presented with. There are some deductions in the marks for a slightly one sided presentation of the story and personnel and for the tangible lack in valor when bringing the whole thing together for the grand finale. It's more like Worldwar 1.5 than a completely independent incident and that's not quite what the jacket promised.
And he kept the Tsar in power by supporting him in the struggle against his own revolting subjects.
Now it's 1920 and things look great for Germany. Except that is the ressource situation. Meanwhile all big warships are guzzling oil instead of coal like a short generation before... How can you stay a naval world power and dominate the oceans like the continental landmass if your ships can't freely rove wherever they need to be due to lack of fuel? So what to do, where to go to, to find the direly needed oil? Well in 1920 one of the most productive centers of oil production is in sunny California. Some negotiations with the corrupt mexican government later and the plan is forged to invade the USA and take from them the four southernmost states of Texas, Arizona and New Mexico for Mexico and California for the germans... And under the command of Crown Prince William the expedition seems to be a great success, America is woefully underprepared due to the idea of recently deceased President Wilson that the short european war was the last one to ever be fought. Saboteurs, smuggled into the country right before the army started to move, disconnect communication lines and railroads throughout the mountain passes, effectively isolating California from the bigger part of the lower 48. A slow, but seemingly unstoppable progress on San Diego, Los Angeles and ultimately San Francisco only finds minimal resistance, badly organized and underequipped to deal with the fieldgrey warmachine. And Mexico cuts into Texas with a wrath kept alive all the time since the Mexican war and secession of Tejas from their country. At San Antonio the monumental Alamo fortification is shelled to rubble to make a point.
And to topp it all off just as the Ministry of War gets their feet back under recruitment and training the "Spanish influenza" which due to the short war never hit Spain or the rest of Europe, devastates the spartanic training camps all over the land, quite literally decimating the fledgling troops (i.e. killing about every tenth recruit in them)
The only success on side of the Americans is the saving of most of their fleet... sacrificing the older, not so fast ships the modern core battlegroup consisting of Nevada, Pennsylvania and Arizona escapes to Puget Sound and the safe embrace of british neutrality in the commonly administrated waters. But a ten battleship strong detachment of the Hoch See Flotte is waiting for them, lording over the West Coast like a fist in an iron glove. Still submarines and smaller ships manage to disturb the continuous line of freighters delivering the replacements for the supplies guzzled up by the greedy lindwurm of the Invasion forces... fuel, ammunition, food and equipment, even some troops to strengthen the shaky position in the giant country, all has to come over the Pacific Ocean from thousands of miles away and now only half of it reaches the German Expeditionary Forces.
So far to the build-up of the story, telling more would certainly destroy a bit of the surprise and suspense contained in the story. Sadly the second half isn't quite as strong as this part who's delving into the situation, which is in my eyes caused by two major reasons..:
- First the Enemy is thoroughly bedeviled. Yes, war is cruel, war is hell, war isn't nice and healthy for the civilian population. But if you manage to only ever show german characters awfully abusing soldiers, prisoners and civilian americans in the conquered territories alike, presenting attitudes that would please every second world war SS officer. I can't even remember a single german soldier described as anything like another joe grunt just doing his duty in the service of his Kaiser without resorting to atrocious war crimes or spouting off antisemitic rhetoric like it was the dernier cri.... In general the story is told solely from a US perspective and the evil, ugly germans stay appropriately faceless, unless the effect of a new plan is needing demonstration, then you now and then get two pages from a german promptly dying in the latest brilliant trap/attack... I could understand a bit of bias in the way the protagonists SEE the invaders, but to either omit their side of things as good as completely or to stilize them as barbarian horde who'd make the SS rampaging through soviet Russia pale in comparison is going just a tad too far and took a lot of enjoyment out of the text for me. While it's true that the Army fo the Kaiserreich was in some ways the core and seedling for the later Third Reich armies, there certainly was a big difference in self image and general conduct.
- secondly there's the oh-so-common Alternate history bane of a mixture between publisher imposed page limits and let's call it the sluggishness of history... both of which conspire to at one point lead back the valiantly built up divergence from real life history into the narrow confines of the expected results recorded in the very same histories... most of the decisive figures would have been notorious leaders in first or second world war and of course the way the situation evolves and changes will more often than not mirror some or most of the developments never coming to live in this world due to the divergence in the first place. One of the examples i could call here is the first appearance of tanks on the battlefield which somewhat duplicates the 1916 situation when they turned up in the established historical frame... others take events from the late twenties or thirties and put them into this time frame for convenience's sake like the emerging plane strategy of fighting naval units that ultimately led to the mighty carriers of second world war and the gruesome death of the Battleship as major weaponsystem at sea...
I really miss similarly bold divergences in the conduct of the war as we've seen in its construction as an alternative history, it's too comfortable to give the reader what they already know and either ignore or slightly twist the already changed variables to bend the story's course back to the known and favored outcome.
I can only think of one really bold move in the latter half of the story, namely Hoover's unorthodox way to enable the river crossing by the american reinforcements for San Francisco. Even Operation Firefly has come long in preparation and hints when it ultimately starts making use of all the carefully shown elements of aircraft warfare introduced before... but it completely neglects the long time domination of the skys by the vastly superior german fighters both in numbers and training for a cheap effects shot.
All in all the book was fun read and i liked the american protagonists we were presented with. There are some deductions in the marks for a slightly one sided presentation of the story and personnel and for the tangible lack in valor when bringing the whole thing together for the grand finale. It's more like Worldwar 1.5 than a completely independent incident and that's not quite what the jacket promised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
I liked this book, but I really wanted to love it. It has a fascinating setting, a world dominated by Imperial Germany (don't listen to the reviewers claiming its full of historical inaccuracies, 5 minutes of research could teach you more than they know), and its battles are really cool and fun to read. There's just a few things that aren't particularly good, and they are important.
First off, the characters. The real historical figures are cool, but they don't do much. The original characters aren't bad, but they aren't good either. Not even close. The main character, Luke, is about as generic as they come. He's a cocky Petty Officer who climbed through the ranks through being a minor war hero who greatly contributes to the war effort through his ingenious plans (that's right, plural). He's entertaining, and likeable if you can get behind that kind of archetype, but if you can't, at least he doesn't eclipse the whole story.
The plot is also a bit of a problem. At the beginning, Germany is painted as an unstoppable war machine and the United States is... not. But then they start to give half-assed reasons why the situation could change very quickly. Several deus ex machinas later, the war ends. I won't say the result, but it's very predictable, and that keeps the late battles from developing any real intensity.
I liked it, but the amount of other people who would is probably small.
First off, the characters. The real historical figures are cool, but they don't do much. The original characters aren't bad, but they aren't good either. Not even close. The main character, Luke, is about as generic as they come. He's a cocky Petty Officer who climbed through the ranks through being a minor war hero who greatly contributes to the war effort through his ingenious plans (that's right, plural). He's entertaining, and likeable if you can get behind that kind of archetype, but if you can't, at least he doesn't eclipse the whole story.
The plot is also a bit of a problem. At the beginning, Germany is painted as an unstoppable war machine and the United States is... not. But then they start to give half-assed reasons why the situation could change very quickly. Several deus ex machinas later, the war ends. I won't say the result, but it's very predictable, and that keeps the late battles from developing any real intensity.
I liked it, but the amount of other people who would is probably small.
April 19, 2014
I'm a junkie for alternate history and I generally enjoy Robert Conroy's books. This one was particularly interesting because I had just finished writing a non-fiction book on America's war plans and War Plan Black, the war with Germany, was one of my favorite chapters.
I found things wrong, as a historian, that most people wouldn't. Having said that, this was a wonderful romp into the 1920's where Germany has won the Great War and is invading the US. I loved seeing Patton in action, fighting in California. The naval actions could have been a little more beefy though.
This book could have been twice as long as it was. Conroy is excellent at his pacing but there were some elements, like the naval fighting, that could have been expanded.
Is it "award winning" material? No. Is it worth every penny of the cost? Absolutely. It harkens back to Turtledove's earlier days. Conroy rocks again!
I found things wrong, as a historian, that most people wouldn't. Having said that, this was a wonderful romp into the 1920's where Germany has won the Great War and is invading the US. I loved seeing Patton in action, fighting in California. The naval actions could have been a little more beefy though.
This book could have been twice as long as it was. Conroy is excellent at his pacing but there were some elements, like the naval fighting, that could have been expanded.
Is it "award winning" material? No. Is it worth every penny of the cost? Absolutely. It harkens back to Turtledove's earlier days. Conroy rocks again!
August 6, 2021
Overall, a pretty interesting and fun romp through the realms of alternate history. Coming from a Harry Turtledove background, I did find it rather...less-detailed...in its scope, and it seemed to resolve itself rather quickly. For being a "Great War" / "World War One" era story, it still followed the climactic final battle (near only battle) at the end between the "hero" and the "villain" trope, which was kind of disappointing. And, I'm not sure I believe Patton being the inventor of the massed tank assault - especially with their never being introduce into combat before - but it was still an entertaining read.
January 2, 2014
Would have been neat if the Red Baron, Sergeant Alvin York and Corporal Adolf Hitler were written into the story.
June 15, 2018
It's a fast-moving, page-turning alternate-history novel, a fast and fairly rousing read. The point of departure from our history is plausible enough: the Germans win the 1914 Battle of the Marne, wipe out the combined British and French armies and win the Great War in the first months.
The subsequent premise is a little less plausible generally and in the particulars. Germany might have dominated Europe, but a revolutionary Russia and a resentful Britain (both are in the book) would have needed watching, so an aggressive second war against the US would be a stretch. A revolutionary and chaotic Mexico might have been difficult to occupy, difficult to move large German armies across to the California border, and it would have been a logistics desert. Military technology, without the pressure to innovate that our war years of 1915-1918 required, makes it far less likely that the Fokker D.VII or turreted battle tank would have been handy, let alone the tactical mindset that utilized them.Projecting a short-range German Navy -- a full battle line -- into the Pacific would have been more difficult, though Mr. Conroy tries to deal with this. A grab at Southern California to obtain naval oil fuel would have been no more harebrained than our real-world British grab at Mesopotamia in 1914-1918, undertaken (disastrously) for the same reason.
The nonfiction characters -- Lansing, Hunter Liggett, Eisenhower, Patton, MacArthur, von Hutier, Rommel, Carranza, Pancho Villa -- are mostly present, albeit a bit one-dimensional (Maj. Patton likes tanks when he finds them, MacArthur is relentlessly (and luckily) brave and high-visibility). And some modern characters are missing: a war book about Mexico might have had a use for the charismatic and able Lazaro Cardenas, the victorious revolutionary general and later president.
The fictional characters are more interesting, more lively, and well-developed, and the romantic subplots (and sex scenes) tolerable. The geographical and historic setting in California and Texas is well-drawn and realistic enough. In all, a somewhat formulaic alt-history war thriller but enjoyable enough.
The subsequent premise is a little less plausible generally and in the particulars. Germany might have dominated Europe, but a revolutionary Russia and a resentful Britain (both are in the book) would have needed watching, so an aggressive second war against the US would be a stretch. A revolutionary and chaotic Mexico might have been difficult to occupy, difficult to move large German armies across to the California border, and it would have been a logistics desert. Military technology, without the pressure to innovate that our war years of 1915-1918 required, makes it far less likely that the Fokker D.VII or turreted battle tank would have been handy, let alone the tactical mindset that utilized them.Projecting a short-range German Navy -- a full battle line -- into the Pacific would have been more difficult, though Mr. Conroy tries to deal with this. A grab at Southern California to obtain naval oil fuel would have been no more harebrained than our real-world British grab at Mesopotamia in 1914-1918, undertaken (disastrously) for the same reason.
The nonfiction characters -- Lansing, Hunter Liggett, Eisenhower, Patton, MacArthur, von Hutier, Rommel, Carranza, Pancho Villa -- are mostly present, albeit a bit one-dimensional (Maj. Patton likes tanks when he finds them, MacArthur is relentlessly (and luckily) brave and high-visibility). And some modern characters are missing: a war book about Mexico might have had a use for the charismatic and able Lazaro Cardenas, the victorious revolutionary general and later president.
The fictional characters are more interesting, more lively, and well-developed, and the romantic subplots (and sex scenes) tolerable. The geographical and historic setting in California and Texas is well-drawn and realistic enough. In all, a somewhat formulaic alt-history war thriller but enjoyable enough.
February 19, 2014
The first "alternative history" book I've read; I really enjoyed it.
The premise is simple. The Germans actually won the Battle of Marnes in WW I. As a result, the French and British forces were overrun, France was occupied and England begrudgingly signed a peace treaty with Germany.
Germany did not, however, end its desire for world dominance at that point. Instead, it expanded its economic "partnership" with Mexico, still smarting from the loss of territory in the Mexican-American War, permitting it to amass arms, supplies, ships and soldiers within Mexico.
Germany's intent: using a joint force of Germans and Mexicans, invade the Southwestern United States.
The goal: Force the US to fight a war on two fronts; Promise the Mexicans the returns of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona while Germany conquers and annexes California.
The action begins with joint Mexican and German forces skirmishing with and rapidly beating and enslaving civilian Americans along the border and builds to a climactic battle for San Francisco. Historic figures--Eisenhower, Patton, Churchill, Nimitz, Woodrow Wilson, Pershing and many more--are interwoven into the plot in totally believable roles in keeping with their historic personae.
The premise is simple. The Germans actually won the Battle of Marnes in WW I. As a result, the French and British forces were overrun, France was occupied and England begrudgingly signed a peace treaty with Germany.
Germany did not, however, end its desire for world dominance at that point. Instead, it expanded its economic "partnership" with Mexico, still smarting from the loss of territory in the Mexican-American War, permitting it to amass arms, supplies, ships and soldiers within Mexico.
Germany's intent: using a joint force of Germans and Mexicans, invade the Southwestern United States.
The goal: Force the US to fight a war on two fronts; Promise the Mexicans the returns of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona while Germany conquers and annexes California.
The action begins with joint Mexican and German forces skirmishing with and rapidly beating and enslaving civilian Americans along the border and builds to a climactic battle for San Francisco. Historic figures--Eisenhower, Patton, Churchill, Nimitz, Woodrow Wilson, Pershing and many more--are interwoven into the plot in totally believable roles in keeping with their historic personae.
June 18, 2014
I can't help myself! Sure, Conroy's books tend to be formulaic, and make too much use of coincidental contacts between the main characters and major historical figures. But sometimes a guy just wants a good, old fashioned yarn thats an easy read! Conroy's books are just that. He makes good use of the alternative history genre by using an easily imaginable alternate decision in a historical event, not relying on some supernatural or alien intervention. And, he cleanly wraps up each book at the end, not leaving you hanging, waiting a year for the next book to come out (ala H Turtledove). He fleshes out the major characters nicely, yet not going overboard in explaining exactly what a character was thinking/speaking in excessive, flowery language (sorry Eric Flint). Perfect for a summertime read at the cabin, or curled up in front of a warm fire on a winter weekend. Please keep them coming, Mr. Conroy!
November 7, 2013
Taking as his starting point a German victory in the Battle of the Marne that led to German hegemony over much of the world, Robert Conroy weaves a fantastic tale of alternative history. The action centers around a joint Mexican/German invasion of the southern US, specifically Texas and California.
While the primary point of view characters are all inventions of Conroy the book is peppered with real characters from our own history such as Patton, MacArthur, Pancho Villa, and others who live quite different lives in this timeline. Conroy's versions of these characters remains true to our historical understandings of their personalities though.
This is a fantastic book and is sure to please any and all lovers of alternative history!
While the primary point of view characters are all inventions of Conroy the book is peppered with real characters from our own history such as Patton, MacArthur, Pancho Villa, and others who live quite different lives in this timeline. Conroy's versions of these characters remains true to our historical understandings of their personalities though.
This is a fantastic book and is sure to please any and all lovers of alternative history!
April 19, 2014
More fun alternative history from Conroy. The Germans won the Marne, and WWI in the process. Russia is in turmoil and while Britain is strong at sea, they aren't seen as a threat on land. This leaves a pacifist US under Wilson as the only threat to a German 2nd Reich under Kaiser Bill.
What's a German Army to do but attack through Mexico and take California while the Mexicans take back Texas & the southwest? How can the US fight back? Will they fight back?
All answered in another book by Conroy. While I thought the book was a bit short and he could have done more with it, it was quite enjoyable. I just wish he'd do a series like Turtledove did with the books following Guns of the South.
What's a German Army to do but attack through Mexico and take California while the Mexicans take back Texas & the southwest? How can the US fight back? Will they fight back?
All answered in another book by Conroy. While I thought the book was a bit short and he could have done more with it, it was quite enjoyable. I just wish he'd do a series like Turtledove did with the books following Guns of the South.
December 14, 2023
First, if you compare the plot in this book to Conroy's book "1901" they're almost identical in terms of characters.
Second, Conroy's way of doing alternate history is basically "America always wins, always gets lucky and damn realism - and oh *wink wink* it's MacArthur and Patton, I wonder who these guys are.
Third, the writing is bad. Just bad. Makes Harry Turtledove look skilled by comparison.
Fourth, like "1901" Conroy apparently went no deeper than basic anti-German propaganda, making them cartoonish rather than real. That and the not so subtle conflating of Imperial Germany with Nazi Germany.
I only finished to see how badly he would end the overall narrative and was not disappointed - or was disappointed depending on your view point. There's no tension because you know from the outset American pluck will just somehow win the day. History is impartial - sometimes enigma's happen but not a whole narrative of them. I would find this far more interesting if Germany captured California and held it and Conroy set up a trilogy that ends with the eventual return of California but requires a longer path to victory.
Second, Conroy's way of doing alternate history is basically "America always wins, always gets lucky and damn realism - and oh *wink wink* it's MacArthur and Patton, I wonder who these guys are.
Third, the writing is bad. Just bad. Makes Harry Turtledove look skilled by comparison.
Fourth, like "1901" Conroy apparently went no deeper than basic anti-German propaganda, making them cartoonish rather than real. That and the not so subtle conflating of Imperial Germany with Nazi Germany.
I only finished to see how badly he would end the overall narrative and was not disappointed - or was disappointed depending on your view point. There's no tension because you know from the outset American pluck will just somehow win the day. History is impartial - sometimes enigma's happen but not a whole narrative of them. I would find this far more interesting if Germany captured California and held it and Conroy set up a trilogy that ends with the eventual return of California but requires a longer path to victory.
February 7, 2019
Alternative history genre is not among my favourites, I prefer to read the real thing. However, I’m a big fan of this period of 20th Century history and it turns actual events on its head. The author cleverly comes up with a believable reason how Germany won the war in Europe in 1914, defeating the British, French and their allies in just a few months.
The story then winds forward to 1920 when the cock-a-hoop Germans decide to invade and conquer the United States, with the help of the Mexicans, in an attempt to become a true global power.
The rest of the book is high class war fiction intertwined with real places and real characters. The author has cleverly researched this period of history to convert his fictional story into a believable scenario. Each side's battle tactics are excellently described, the battle scenes are very realistic and the characters (both real and imagined) are easy to remember even though there are a lot of them.
If you’re going to dip your toe in the 'alternative history' water, I highly recommend this as a good start. It’s a true 5* performance.
The story then winds forward to 1920 when the cock-a-hoop Germans decide to invade and conquer the United States, with the help of the Mexicans, in an attempt to become a true global power.
The rest of the book is high class war fiction intertwined with real places and real characters. The author has cleverly researched this period of history to convert his fictional story into a believable scenario. Each side's battle tactics are excellently described, the battle scenes are very realistic and the characters (both real and imagined) are easy to remember even though there are a lot of them.
If you’re going to dip your toe in the 'alternative history' water, I highly recommend this as a good start. It’s a true 5* performance.
November 28, 2019
Less realistic
This novel is set in a world where the USA maintained strict neutrality in World War One resulting in an early German/Central Powers victory. Considering the USA to be a weak rival the Kaiser takes it to the next level by allying with Mexico in 1916 and providing both armaments and training to the Mexican Army. As the title says, this results in a full blown war in 1920 with Germany and Mexico on one side and the USA on the other. While there are some interesting characters and the book is a fun romp I don't find the scenario very plausible. A victorious Germany would IMO be fully occupied with its world wide empire in 1920, not spoiling fir another fight just a few years after defeating the Allied powers. The book is a good summer read but shouldn't be taken to seriously.
This novel is set in a world where the USA maintained strict neutrality in World War One resulting in an early German/Central Powers victory. Considering the USA to be a weak rival the Kaiser takes it to the next level by allying with Mexico in 1916 and providing both armaments and training to the Mexican Army. As the title says, this results in a full blown war in 1920 with Germany and Mexico on one side and the USA on the other. While there are some interesting characters and the book is a fun romp I don't find the scenario very plausible. A victorious Germany would IMO be fully occupied with its world wide empire in 1920, not spoiling fir another fight just a few years after defeating the Allied powers. The book is a good summer read but shouldn't be taken to seriously.
December 10, 2019
OK, look, we all know this going in: Conroy is an intensely formulaic writer, presenting Manichean tales. Complaining about that is like complaining that you didn't expect so much fighting in a John Wick movie.
BUT we're willing to overlook this if the story provides some interesting unexpected elements, and as usual he does so. We are so locked into the story we know, of how certain weapon systems and certain personalities behaved during WW1, and then 20 years later during WW2. Conroy's style of shaking things up by portraying a different war, in a different location a few years later, forces us to reconsider all this locked in knowledge, and that's always an interesting exercise, worth the somewhat clunky personalities and storyline.
BUT we're willing to overlook this if the story provides some interesting unexpected elements, and as usual he does so. We are so locked into the story we know, of how certain weapon systems and certain personalities behaved during WW1, and then 20 years later during WW2. Conroy's style of shaking things up by portraying a different war, in a different location a few years later, forces us to reconsider all this locked in knowledge, and that's always an interesting exercise, worth the somewhat clunky personalities and storyline.
June 29, 2021
I was surprised at how quickly I finished this book. It was excellent. Exciting and realistic, a scary tale of what could have happened if Germany quickly won World War I. Based in reality too with many of the characters (of historical importance) and with Germany collaborating with Mexico, which they did try to do. Sometimes the use of a historical character seemed forced, but that was a minor issue. I also wonder if some of the stereotypes and racial attitudes are real or exaggerated for plot benefit. A couple of times too I felt the geography did not quite fit. The main characters were excellent, and so was the plot and potential idea of how such a war could have happened. Great work!
February 5, 2019
I don't believe that a Germany that had won the War of 1914-1915 would have invested the time, thought, and resources to invent and deploy Gotha bombers, Albatross and Fokker DVII fighters, and the MP18 submachine gun. German battleships of the era primarily used coal, not oil (and NOT Diesel). German destroyers did not have the range to escort convoys across the Pacific. Naval tactics are shown poorly, from stationing heavy units at sea on blockade, to dueling shore batteries.
But my biggest gripe is that the enemy are not Germans, but Huns out of the worst British propaganda of World War I.
But my biggest gripe is that the enemy are not Germans, but Huns out of the worst British propaganda of World War I.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2019
The Germans are coming
Conroy knows how to spin alternate history. The US does not take part in WW I; Wilson gets elected for a third term; and the Germans won WW I controlling all of Germany, Belgium, France, etc.…UK is still independent. Germany has a pact with Mexico…you can see what is coming. Mexico wants what the US “stole” and Germany wants oil rich California. He sets up a compelling story, with a US that is no way ready for any conflict. A compelling story filled with many heroes.
Conroy knows how to spin alternate history. The US does not take part in WW I; Wilson gets elected for a third term; and the Germans won WW I controlling all of Germany, Belgium, France, etc.…UK is still independent. Germany has a pact with Mexico…you can see what is coming. Mexico wants what the US “stole” and Germany wants oil rich California. He sets up a compelling story, with a US that is no way ready for any conflict. A compelling story filled with many heroes.
November 1, 2023
An excellent addition to my Robert Conroy collection. Unfortunately, it the last book of his I have read. I have read all his other books, as far as I can determine. I would love to look forward to more books, but he has passed on to that great library in the ever after. Good characterization, character drama, subplot lines, drama, politics, an enemy whose arrogance and pride make him overreach. Recommended. I does not matter what order you read Conroy's books, just find and read them. For my part what I have is my collection is to re-read.
Read
May 1, 2015Aaaargh! SPOILERS
Pg.5 : "What really concerned Carville was the thought of the world with Germany as it's only preeminent power. ....half mad ... Kaiser." Really, again? How about the scenario that admits Britain had a global sea empire, Russia a vast land Empire, and Germany was a growing central european power looking for some respect from it's literal jealous and covetous cousins? WW1 was started by a Croat trying to strike at the Austro-Hungarian dominance, but no one hates Croatia or Austria forever, like an Anglo can hate Germany. Knock it down in WW1, WW2, and probably hate that Germany is strong now as well, in the very position that it sought in WW1. England threw away it's world dominance trying to keep Germany from competing, boo hoo. As long as we have to have a WW1 story, how about a scenario where England is chastised for it's Hubris and lives with a strong Germany just like it finds itself doing NOW, and what would the world be like without WW1 creating WW2? No one tells that story.
Ok, my rant aside, the author thinks Germany has the insanity to run an ocean supply line to conquer America. Even with Mexico as a base, coming up to conquer from the South has the same problems that the South had during the Civil War. The War industry is way up north. Yeah, that's a big ask too. So, with all this against the author already, lets see what he's got.
Pg.37 : "They are going to war because they are Germans and that's what they do." Just can't let it go, and I was getting into the story too. I will have to accept this, lord knows hate is common enough in every culture clash.
I do like the plan for California, but is that enough to make such a big enemy as the U.S? You will be motivating them for generations to come, to be your personal and particular enemy, where there had been no such history before. This is not the centuries of trading borders experienced in Europe, though they act like it is. The Kaiser would have to be as nuts as they describe him. The premise is difficult, until I hear it from the German foreign minister, so I may still enjoy the particulars.
192 pages into it and I do enjoy the story and characters, such a shame that I always know how it will end. Even given a German victory in WW1 and all their vaunted advantages, still it is all a set up to say we, the Anglophiles, will beat you anyway, we will always beat you. This isn't a world to allow a German victory as anything but temporary. Murica! In my extensive reading of the "Alternate History" genre, it really doesn't exist. It is rather a number of variations on an "Inevitable History" genre. The NAZIs send the Sanger to NY, but Goddard stops it. An American town is transported to 1600's Europe and proceeds to dominate the continent. It's all rational, believable, entertaining and totally inevitable. The winners write the history, and confirm it but writing the alternate history too. I wonder if "alternate histories" are even written by German authors, and if so, how do they end? Have they been shamed into always losing even in their fantasies?
To the artist I say beautiful cover, and as an illustrator myself, I am truly jealous. Though it should be the Fokker D-VII and not the Albatross, the Alb is such a beautiful plane, and that is such a distinctive livery that I always love seeing.
Technologically, we could get more of that into this invasion. The Junkers metal monoplane D.1 can easily come in as a naval fighter. It flew in 1917, and you have already introduced the 1918 Fokker D.VII. Though the British didn't put out a tank till 1916, and the French till 1917, so with a 1914 victory are we saying the Germans would make nothing without seeing an enemy tank first? They clearly continued aircraft design so c'mon and gimme an A7V that came out in 1918? The military may be reluctant as to the need, but designers love to design, manufacturers love to sell to the military, Germans love their machinery, and their "Super" weapons. They would make the first tank and deploy it here, elephant that it was.
Pg. 371 : I'm going along enjoying the back and forth and then again, ugh. "The warplanes of 1920 bore little resemblance to the tiny things of 1914." Oh really, then why are the Germans still flying the Albatross? Even the DVII from earlier has vanished. I am impressed that the Germans crated and shipped so many Gothas, though a Zeppelin could have done more accurate service in aiming a bomb load or in spotting. Funny how for the germans could get no subs to California, convoyed with some Tenders and Escorts. But mostly, really, NO TANKS? They don't even know what tanks are, are you kidding me? Patton gets tanks, sloped armor, and wheel skirts, while Rommel gets killed. Could we try a scenario where the Americans CAN'T read all the German communications, or would that make it too hard? All the American plans work in the nick of time, Like the 7th cavalry coming over the hill, and they do that multiple times, and that just tears it, like I said, it's not Alternate History, it's INEVITABLE HISTORY. Do I even want to finish the book?
I did, and he ticked me off again. If you have not had it up to here with the bias of the genre, as I have, it is quite enjoyable. It also has an excerpt from Conroys "1882", and guess what, Custer survives his last stand, of course, lol.
Pg.5 : "What really concerned Carville was the thought of the world with Germany as it's only preeminent power. ....half mad ... Kaiser." Really, again? How about the scenario that admits Britain had a global sea empire, Russia a vast land Empire, and Germany was a growing central european power looking for some respect from it's literal jealous and covetous cousins? WW1 was started by a Croat trying to strike at the Austro-Hungarian dominance, but no one hates Croatia or Austria forever, like an Anglo can hate Germany. Knock it down in WW1, WW2, and probably hate that Germany is strong now as well, in the very position that it sought in WW1. England threw away it's world dominance trying to keep Germany from competing, boo hoo. As long as we have to have a WW1 story, how about a scenario where England is chastised for it's Hubris and lives with a strong Germany just like it finds itself doing NOW, and what would the world be like without WW1 creating WW2? No one tells that story.
Ok, my rant aside, the author thinks Germany has the insanity to run an ocean supply line to conquer America. Even with Mexico as a base, coming up to conquer from the South has the same problems that the South had during the Civil War. The War industry is way up north. Yeah, that's a big ask too. So, with all this against the author already, lets see what he's got.
Pg.37 : "They are going to war because they are Germans and that's what they do." Just can't let it go, and I was getting into the story too. I will have to accept this, lord knows hate is common enough in every culture clash.
I do like the plan for California, but is that enough to make such a big enemy as the U.S? You will be motivating them for generations to come, to be your personal and particular enemy, where there had been no such history before. This is not the centuries of trading borders experienced in Europe, though they act like it is. The Kaiser would have to be as nuts as they describe him. The premise is difficult, until I hear it from the German foreign minister, so I may still enjoy the particulars.
192 pages into it and I do enjoy the story and characters, such a shame that I always know how it will end. Even given a German victory in WW1 and all their vaunted advantages, still it is all a set up to say we, the Anglophiles, will beat you anyway, we will always beat you. This isn't a world to allow a German victory as anything but temporary. Murica! In my extensive reading of the "Alternate History" genre, it really doesn't exist. It is rather a number of variations on an "Inevitable History" genre. The NAZIs send the Sanger to NY, but Goddard stops it. An American town is transported to 1600's Europe and proceeds to dominate the continent. It's all rational, believable, entertaining and totally inevitable. The winners write the history, and confirm it but writing the alternate history too. I wonder if "alternate histories" are even written by German authors, and if so, how do they end? Have they been shamed into always losing even in their fantasies?
To the artist I say beautiful cover, and as an illustrator myself, I am truly jealous. Though it should be the Fokker D-VII and not the Albatross, the Alb is such a beautiful plane, and that is such a distinctive livery that I always love seeing.
Technologically, we could get more of that into this invasion. The Junkers metal monoplane D.1 can easily come in as a naval fighter. It flew in 1917, and you have already introduced the 1918 Fokker D.VII. Though the British didn't put out a tank till 1916, and the French till 1917, so with a 1914 victory are we saying the Germans would make nothing without seeing an enemy tank first? They clearly continued aircraft design so c'mon and gimme an A7V that came out in 1918? The military may be reluctant as to the need, but designers love to design, manufacturers love to sell to the military, Germans love their machinery, and their "Super" weapons. They would make the first tank and deploy it here, elephant that it was.
Pg. 371 : I'm going along enjoying the back and forth and then again, ugh. "The warplanes of 1920 bore little resemblance to the tiny things of 1914." Oh really, then why are the Germans still flying the Albatross? Even the DVII from earlier has vanished. I am impressed that the Germans crated and shipped so many Gothas, though a Zeppelin could have done more accurate service in aiming a bomb load or in spotting. Funny how for the germans could get no subs to California, convoyed with some Tenders and Escorts. But mostly, really, NO TANKS? They don't even know what tanks are, are you kidding me? Patton gets tanks, sloped armor, and wheel skirts, while Rommel gets killed. Could we try a scenario where the Americans CAN'T read all the German communications, or would that make it too hard? All the American plans work in the nick of time, Like the 7th cavalry coming over the hill, and they do that multiple times, and that just tears it, like I said, it's not Alternate History, it's INEVITABLE HISTORY. Do I even want to finish the book?
I did, and he ticked me off again. If you have not had it up to here with the bias of the genre, as I have, it is quite enjoyable. It also has an excerpt from Conroys "1882", and guess what, Custer survives his last stand, of course, lol.
April 9, 2020
I am a big fan of Alternate History, and this one was good and I liked it. However, it seem to short and time between occurrences was not explained well. For me having a few dates or a few more time frame mentions would have made the story better for me. I do like the idea behind the story, would love to have more.
February 1, 2019
As with his other alt-history books, he somewhat rushes the ending, and some of the stuff in between, though it would have been a much longer book. He includes a number of historical figures, including Germans. It might have been interesting if one of them had been an Austrian corporal named Adolf.
April 14, 2022
You always now what you are going to get with a Robert Conroy book: an enjoyable, imaginative alternative history story. It is not great literature or even exactingly accurate but always an interesting read.
January 7, 2018
Good for action but eye rolling otherwise. Reads like a Michael Bay movie written for a high school history class. Enjoyable read regardless.
January 16, 2019
Fun what if. Breezy read and enough real historic characters made it fun
September 27, 2019
Riveting book
Great story combining historical figures and exciting fiction. Couldn’t put it down. Will be looking for more Conroy books to read
Great story combining historical figures and exciting fiction. Couldn’t put it down. Will be looking for more Conroy books to read
February 1, 2020
Started out strong, then slowed down for a while, but the last 100 pages were outstanding. Conroy has a great way of staying both imaginative and true to history. I love his books!
May 31, 2020
Great Alternative History
This was a great read. It truly tied in not only American exceptionalism , but that of Texas as well.
This was a great read. It truly tied in not only American exceptionalism , but that of Texas as well.
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