Here is an interesting article in today's New York Times describing 10 days that changed history:The article looks into the near-failure of Virginia as a colony, victory on the Hudson being instrumental in securing success of the American Revolution, mosquitos ending Napoleon's ideas for conquest in the New World, and more.
This list is quirky rather than comprehensive, and readers may want to continue the parlor game on their own. But while historians may argue endlessly about causes and effects — many even question the idea that any single day can alter the course of human events — these examples show that destiny can turn on a slender pivot, and that history often occurs when nobody is watching.
It also points out how intersting counterfactuals ("What Ifs") can be when thinking about the impact certain events have had on history. They can also be a lot of fun!
If you find the counterfactuals in this article interesting, here is a list of some further reading you might like.
Hattip to Life on the Wicked Stage.
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