We Read Newt Gingrich's World War 2 Alternate History
Behind the Bastards
Deep Dive
Why did Newt Gingrich write an alternate history novel about World War 2?
Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the House, wrote '1945' as a passion project, exploring what-if scenarios about World War 2. He co-authored the novel with William R. Forstchen, a historian, and it delves into a world where the U.S. defeated Japan but never declared war on Germany, leading to a Nazi victory in Europe.
What is the central premise of Newt Gingrich's novel '1945'?
The novel '1945' by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen imagines a world where the U.S. defeated Japan but never declared war on Germany, allowing the Nazis to win in Europe. The story centers around the Waffen-SS invading East Tennessee to stop the U.S. nuclear program.
How did the publication of '1945' impact Bain Publishing?
The publication of '1945' was a significant financial disaster for Bain Publishing. Despite high expectations due to Newt Gingrich's prominence, the book flopped, with 81 out of every 100 copies being returned unsold. This nearly bankrupted the publisher and led to creative disputes between Gingrich, Forstchen, and Jim Bain.
What role does Newt Gingrich's personal life play in his novel '1945'?
Newt Gingrich's personal life, including his infidelity, is subtly reflected in '1945'. The novel features a character who hands over nuclear secrets to a Nazi spy with whom he is having an affair, mirroring Gingrich's own extramarital affairs while serving as Speaker of the House.
How does '1945' portray the America First movement?
'1945' portrays the America First movement negatively, depicting its members as obstructionists who hinder efforts to confront Nazi aggression. The novel suggests that their reluctance to engage in European conflicts allows Hitler to become more dangerous over time.
What are some of the historical inaccuracies in Newt Gingrich's '1945'?
'1945' contains several historical inaccuracies, such as the portrayal of Otto Skorzeny, who is depicted as surviving an attack on Crete when he actually lived until the 1970s. The novel also includes fantastical elements like Nazi wonder weapons that were mostly theoretical during the actual war.
How does '1945' reflect Newt Gingrich's political views?
'1945' reflects Newt Gingrich's conservative political views by portraying the Nazis as having superior military technology and strategy, and by criticizing the America First movement for hindering efforts to confront Hitler. The novel also includes a pro-Second Amendment stance, with elderly veterans forming a militia to defend against the Nazis.
What is the reception of '1945' among alternate history enthusiasts?
Among alternate history enthusiasts, '1945' is considered a significant flop. The book's poor sales and critical reception, along with the creative disputes between the authors and the publisher, have left it with a negative reputation in the alternate history community.
- Newt Gingrich's alternate history novel 1945 explores a Nazi victory in WWII
- The novel focuses on a Nazi invasion of East Tennessee
- The podcast will analyze the novel and Gingrich's background
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