How the Axis Won World War II in ‘The Man in the High Castle’

In the alternate universe of Philip K. Dick's novel, The Man in the High Castle, the Axis powers—specifically Germany and Japan—dominate the global stage after winning World War II. The victory of the Axis is marked by series of strategic and political errors by the United States and the United Kingdom, culminating in an early defeat for U.S. forces and a swift surrender. This article delves into the factors that enabled Germany to win the war and explore the aftermath of this alternate history.

Key Events Leading to Axis Victory

The narrative of the novel begins with a significant alteration: President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s assassination in February 1933. This event, foreshadowed by the successful assassination attempt on Leon Trotsky in 1940, provides the point of departure from reality. The absence of FDR and subsequent leadership under ineffective successors, such as President Garner and his successor, President Bricker, create a series of challenges for the United States, including:

Domestic Inaction: FDR's failed policies, notably the New Deal, are not implemented or even started. This results in the United States enduring a long and painful recovery from the Great Depression. Isolationist Policies: The U.S. adopts a strong isolationist stance, choosing to stay out of European affairs and not lend significant support to the Allies.

Internationally, the absence of FDR also weakens the United Kingdom. With the assassination of Winston Churchill in 1940, the resolve of the British government is undermined, making it easier for Germany to push forward on multiple fronts.

The Turning Points of the War

The turning points that significantly favored the Axis powers include:

1. Pearl Harbor

Without significant US naval support, Germany strikes a strategic blow by sinking a large portion of the US fleet, including several carriers, at Pearl Harbor. This decimation of U.S. naval power ensures that the United States is confined to the Atlantic and unable to pressure Germany in the Pacific. The US fleet's losses at Pearl Harbor contribute to a significant reduction in the nation’s ability to challenge German military advancements.

2. UK Surrender and Soviet Conquest

With the United Kingdom weakened by the loss of its key leaders and naval assets, Germany forces a quick surrender. This defeat allows Germany to move swiftly into Soviet territories, effectively neutralizing the Red Army and bringing about the fall of Stalin. The Axis powers subsequently conquer Africa, Iceland, Greenland, and several significant territories, expanding their global influence.

3. Nuclear Bomb

A major advantage of the Axis powers is the development of nuclear technology. Specifically, Germany produces the bomb first, using it to devastating effect. The destruction of Washington DC and the annihilation of various government-in-exile forces tied to the U.S. lead to a fully-fledged U.S. surrender. The remaining unofficial US resistance, supported by fragments of allied armies, continues until 1947, but the damage is done.

The War with Japan

Japan's approach to the war is equally ruthless. After capturing Hawaii in 1941, they recapture it in 1942 and then proceed to take most of the Pacific region. This aggressive push ultimately leads to the invasion of the U.S. West Coast in 1945, marking the culmination of Japanese ambitions in the Pacific theater.

The Impact of "The Grasshopper Lies Heavy"

Despite the Axis victory, one significant piece of literature, The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, authored by Hawthorne Abendsen, challenges this narrative. This alternative history novel suggests that if FDR had not been assassinated, Germany would have lost the war. The novel is banned by the Nazis but finds popularity in the Rocky Mountain States, highlighting the potential for hidden resistance against the established order.

Though the book is not clearly stated in the novel, possible scenarios of how the Axis defeated the Allies highlight the importance of key leadership, international alliances, and strategic mobility. The success of German and Japanese forces can be attributed to several factors, including the effective undermining of Allied will to fight, the decimation of U.S. naval power, and the significant advancements in nuclear weapons technology.