What if Custer had won at Little Bighorn, shattering Native American resistance and remapping U.S. history? Picture a scenario where this victory propels an era of unyielding expansion, as the hypothetical Custer Doctrine galvanizes the spirit of manifest destiny across the Great Plains. In this episode, we unravel this captivating alternate history, scrutinizing the military strategies that could have handed Custer a hard-fought victory and how such a win might have accelerated the pace of American settlement. Industries like cattle ranching could have flourished without the looming threat of Native resistance, forever altering the frontier landscape.

Join me as I navigate the potential consequences for Native communities, where the loss of leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse could have splintered tribal unity, accelerating forced assimilation and the erasure of cultural identity. The psychological toll of this alternate history is profound, envisioning a world where Native resistance crumbles under the relentless advance of U.S. policies. This episode delves into how an absence of significant resistance could have reshaped U.S. politics, border relations, and even sparked territorial disputes. As we ponder how a single battle might tip the balance of history, explore with us the devastating ripple effects on both Native American communities and the expansive frontier.

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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Alternative Military History Podcast. For more in-depth content and exclusive updates, visit my substack at @DanielWrinn and and connect with me on X @altmilhistory

What if the Russian Revolution had taken a different turn, right at its most critical juncture? Picture a world where Vladimir Lenin never returned to Russia in 1917. This episode embarks on a compelling exploration of this alternate military history, painting a vivid picture of a nation on the brink during World War I. Through the eyes of a soldier in the trenches and a mother in a bread line, we experience the palpable desperation and exhaustion that gripped Russian society at the time.

Without Lenin's return, the balance of political power might have shifted towards more moderate factions such as the Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries. Imagine Alexander Kerensky's provisional government gaining the stability needed to implement reforms, potentially avoiding the devastation of civil war. We consider Trotsky's possible coalition approach, fostering cooperation instead of conflict—a scenario that could reshape not only Russian politics but also the global landscape.

Our journey doesn't stop at Russia's borders. Envision a 20th century where a moderate socialist Russia collaborates with Western democracies, replacing Cold War tensions with economic growth and unity. What could a pan-European security system inclusive of Russia look like? How might the United Nations evolve in such a cooperative international environment? This episode challenges us to rethink history's trajectory, considering a world where societies prioritize domestic welfare and cultural harmony over ideological standoffs. Join us for this thought-provoking exploration of what might have been, and reflect on the profound impact of one man's absence on the course of history.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Alternative Military History Podcast. For more in-depth content and exclusive updates, visit my substack at @DanielWrinn and and connect with me on X @altmilhistory