The Axis If Americans Had Joined in 1939: A Hypothetical Dystopia

The concept of an alliance of the Axis Powers, particularly the United States joining forces with Nazi Germany, Japan, and Italy in 1939, is a fascinating and chilling one. While it might seem like a surreal and darkly comic scenario, the reality is that such an outcome would have dramatically altered the course of World War II and possibly led to a vastly different and even more disastrous world post-1945.

The Realistic Outcome of an American-Axis Alliance

If the United States had indeed joined the Axis Powers in 1939, the result would have been catastrophic. The notion that the Nazis were merely humane and would have refrained from harming others is far from reality. Instead, they would have likely exploited the alliance for their own genocidal purposes. Other absurd scenarios, like bears having soft fingers or friendly sharks, serve as a reminder of just how unfathomable and horrific such an alliance would have been.

Consider the hypothetical scenario where the Allies would have included the cruel and genocidal regimes of the Axis Powers. Hitler would have exploited the American military and economic might, aiming to spread his ideology and exterminate Jews and other “undesirables” even more thoroughly. The first contact with such an alliance would indeed have led to mass atrocities, with groups like the Einsatzgruppen murdering innocents under the guise of "justifiable homicide.”

The Strategic Implications of an American-Axis Alliance

One of the most significant factors is the clear strategic and philosophical opposition between the United States and the Axis powers. The United States, with its principles of democracy, human rights, and freedom, is fundamentally incompatible with the values of the Axis. This opposition would have made an alliance highly unlikely, if not impossible, despite the dire situation in Europe and the Pacific.

Even if the Alliance was somehow formed, it would quickly dissolve as the United States, with its vast resources and industrial output, would have sought to undermine the Axis as soon as possible. The eventual collapse of the Soviet Union and the destruction of the UK's global influence would have weakened the Axis, leading to their inevitable defeat.

The Post-War World Order

Thoughts of a post-war world with the Axis Powers in control are particularly unpleasant. A post war seen from the perspective of the Axis Powers winning would have led to an era of brutal suppression, with the United States and its allies reduced to mere tributaries. For example, the US might have been offered the “Americas” in exchange for neutrality, but even such an arrangement would likely be short-lived given the deeply entrenched cultural and moral differences between the US and the Axis.

The collapse of the Soviet Union would have left a power vacuum in Eastern Europe and beyond, leading to further spheres of influence for the victorious Axis powers. The British Isles and many Pacific colonies would have been under German and Japanese control, leading to a world where freedom and democracy were scarce, and oppression was the norm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the scenario of the United States joining the Axis Powers in 1939 is predominantly a dystopian one. It would have led to immense suffering, mass atrocities, and the further cementing of a world order based on oppression and tyranny. Fortunately, the US instead chose to stand up for freedom and democracy, leading to a world that, despite its own imperfections, is vastly better than the one that would have emerged from such a dark alliance.