Reading the recent discussion of a 1938 Germany invasion of Czechoslovakia and the reviews of the new Harry Turtledove book on Different Worlds reminded me of an AH spun by a friend and fellow history major. This is the only time he every broached the subject of AH. He like most people can think in terms of AH when it effects them personally. He was proud of his Slovak heritage and he new a way that the old country ( This was before the velvet divorce) could have avoided German occupation. He only thought about military victory but I will add events that make his AH possible.
The P.O.D. is in the second week of September of 1938, Hitler makes an alliance with Hungary and Poland and begins sending military advisors to his new allies, who are mobilizing their forces. These moves show that Hitler has more in mind then uniting the oppressed residents of the Sudetenland with their fellow Germans. He is obviously preparing for a full scale invasion of Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain realizing that public and parliamentary support for a policy of appeasement cancels his plans to negotiate a peace settlement. On October 1, 1938 Germany,Poland and Hungary declare war on Czechoslovakia and begin their attack. The Czech military holds of the invaders in the early hours of the war. Later in the day, the Czechoslovakian Air Force launches a massive series of air raids in Germany effectively destroying the Lufftwafe. On October 3, after the expiration of the forty eight hour deadline Britain and France declare war. These new allies provide little help to Czechoslovakia, but none is needed. The lack of air support cripples the invading forces. On October 4th both Hungary and Poland sue for Peace. On October 8th Hitler is deposed in a military coup and the new government asks for armistice. So what happens next?