Historical “What Ifs” That Might Change How You See the World (3 of 5)

What if Alexander the Great lived longer?

Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE during his leisurely stroll home from India. He had plenty of time to sketch out new campaigns, roads across North Africa, grand building projects, and a plan to mix populations. If he survived, he might have pushed his way into Europe. Having a kid could have also prevented his empire from splintering. Some historians even argue that a unified Alexandrian super-state could’ve blocked Rome’s rise and altered Christianity’s spread. Without Rome, we’d see a different Europe and a very different religious landscape. There could have been significant repercussions from a single outbreak.

What if the Black Plague never happened?

One of the worst things that ever happened to Europe was the Black Plague in the 14th century. Millions perished, yet the survivors unexpectedly received higher wages for their labor, leading to the growth of cities. The sanitation department got a big injection of funds and researchers, and the industry in general got a nice buff. The plague also influenced things like art and religion. People began to perceive that the church and God were merely empty promises. If the disaster hadn’t struck, those millions of people would likely continue living in poverty, while the rich would continue to get richer. Worst of all, the Industrial Revolution could potentially be delayed by decades. It’s kind of a lose-lose, no matter how you spin it.