Alternative history is a genre of fiction that explores what might have happened if key historical events had occurred differently. It imagines scenarios where pivotal moments, such as World War II or the American Civil War, had different outcomes, leading to a changed world. This genre allows writers and readers to consider the impact of individual choices and events on the course of history. In alternative history, authors often create detailed worlds that reflect these changes, examining how society, politics, and culture would evolve. Popular examples include novels like The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick, which envisions a world where the Axis powers won the war, prompting readers to think critically about the significance of historical events.