An Unimaginable Dystopia: If ‘The War of the Worlds’ Happened in Reality

The classic science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds, written by H. G. Wells, explores the terrifying notion of an alien invasion on Earth. Picturing the Martians as the formidable invaders has always been a staple of science fiction. But what if the invasion happened in reality? In this article, we will delve into the potential consequences of an alien invasion based on the 1898 version set in Britain, with a focus on the fighting machines and post-invasion developments.

The Martian Invasion: A Logistical Feat

In this hypothetical scenario, the Martians travel to Earth in cylindrical spacecraft powered by a green propulsion similar to a nuclear blast. The journey would be so long that it is unclear if their spacecraft can be used as air support or if they are merely transports. This could have far-reaching consequences on the invading strategy.

The Fighting Machines: Tripods

Central to the Martian invasion are the tripods, three-legged machines armed with a heat ray that can deliver a power output of 5 to 20 megawatts. The ship's armor remains a mystery, but it is known that they can be taken out by naval guns. In this scenario, humans might build large ship-sized vehicles equipped with naval guns, as land ironclads, to counter the Martian invasion. However, the urgency to build such vehicles may not be feasible immediately after the invasion.

Post-Invasion Realities

Following the Martian invasion, humans would reverse-engineer Martian technology, such as the heat ray and the spacecraft's power source. A mysterious green substance could be the key to unlocking their secrets. Additionally, humans would develop advanced biological weapons using bacteria, while the Martians would focus on developing vaccines and projectile weapons. The escalating conflict would evolve into a massive war between Earth and Mars, with the use of newly developed technologies.

The Aftermath and the War

In the aftermath, the Martian tripods would prove to be formidable opponents, with their stances being extremely unstable. Even if these machines were made of indestructible alien metal, the sheer force of shrapnel explosions could bring them down. The scenario would play out as follows:

A Tripod lands on Earth, preferably in a desolate area. The tripods invade cities, villages, and towns, while stealthily avoiding humans and satellites. Human forces, including soldiers and tanks, would be sent to neutralize the invaders. Civilian areas would be evacuated beforehand. Airplane bombings and long-range missiles would eliminate the tripods. Mines and naval patrols along the edges of the Martian territory would prevent any movement to new continents by sea.

In a setting like World War I, the scenario would provide an intriguing backdrop for an action-packed film, with the intense and brutal warfare reflecting the formidable Martian threat.

Conclusion

An alien invasion of Earth, as depicted in The War of the Worlds, would be a catastrophic event with far-reaching consequences. The logistics, fighting machines, and post-invasion developments would transform the landscape of human civilization. While the reality of such an invasion seems far-fetched, contemplating these scenarios can inspire us to appreciate the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming odds.