In 'The War of the Worlds', Did Humans Defeat the Martians Through Disease or Science?

In H.G. Wells' seminal novel The War of the Worlds, humans face an advanced civilization from Mars. However, the outcome of their conflict remains a subject of debate among readers and enthusiasts. Let's delve into the events that led to the final confrontation and explore the various theories behind the downfall of the Martians.

Initial Outcome and the Role of Disease

At first glance, it appears that the Martians have the upper hand. Their superior technology devastates Earth's defenses. However, it is only at the end of the novel that the Martians succumb to a simple, yet deadly enemy—Earth's microorganisms. Wells wrote this at a time when the full scale of biological interactions across planetary boundaries was not well understood.

Wells based this improbable victory on a chilling yet true historical precedent—European colonization and the spread of diseases to the Americas. The Native American populations faced catastrophic losses due to pathogens such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which had no immunity to these diseases. This event served as an inspiration for Wells, who used it to shape the narrative, making the story more dramatic and engaging.

The Science Behind the Fiction

From a scientific perspective, this scenario presents an interesting paradox. If organisms from Mars were to appear on Earth, they would not thrive due to the distinct environmental conditions. Similarly, if Earth organisms were to be introduced to Mars, they would be equally at a disadvantage. The transfer of organisms from one planet to another is highly unlikely and would likely result in immediate death due to environmental mismatch and lack of immunity.

Wells' choice to use this trope was a deliberate artistic decision. By relying on a scientific phenomenon (the spread of diseases) that could be imagined as plausible, he added a layer of realism to his science fiction narrative. The term science fiction itself reflects this balance between scientific plausibility and creative storytelling.

The Final Confrontation and Earth's Defense

During the final stages of the conflict, the British Army did manage to inflict some damage on the Martian machines. Artillery hits on the legs of the machines managed to bring some down, while the Royal Navy vessel Thunderchild managed to ram into two Martian machines before it was destroyed. However, the Martians were ultimately defeated not by military tactics, but by an unexpected and non-technological force.

The Martians utilized their advanced heat projectors and a toxic gas, which provided a formidable defense. Nonetheless, their preparedness was limited to these specific threats. The stronger gravity on Earth became an unexpected challenge for the Martians, making their machines vulnerable and ultimately leading to their downfall. Most crucially, the Earth’s native microorganisms proved to be their undoing. The Martians, with no natural immunity to these organisms, succumbed to disease.

Conclusion

In 'The War of the Worlds', it is the reality of disease that plays the decisive role in the human victory over the Martians. This outcome reflects the terrifying interdependence of organisms within their respective environments. Wells’ clever use of biological conflicts transforms the narrative into a compelling blend of speculative science and human resilience.

For readers seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking journey, 'The War of the Worlds' remains a timeless classic. Whether you prefer to dive into the novel or watch one of the film adaptations, the experience promises a chilling and enlightening adventure.