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What if history had taken just one different turn? The world we know today could have been radically different if certain events had unfolded as planned—or nearly did. Some of these near-misses involved war, assassination attempts, or even bizarre government schemes that sound like they’re straight out of a spy thriller. Here’s a look at 15 pivotal moments that almost changed everything.
Operation Northwoods – USA (1962)
Imagine the US government staging fake terrorist attacks on its own people—just to justify invading Cuba. That’s exactly what Operation Northwoods proposed. The military drafted plans to blow up American ships, blame Castro, and trigger a war. President Kennedy shot it down, but if he hadn’t, the Cold War might have exploded into something far worse. The deception would have set a terrifying precedent for false-flag operations. It’s one of the darkest “what ifs” in modern US history.
The Failed Assassination of Hitler – Operation Valkyrie (1944)
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg placed a bomb right next to Hitler in 1944—but a wooden table leg deflected the blast. Had the bomb killed him, the war in Europe might have ended a year earlier, sparing millions. The German resistance was ready to seize power and negotiate peace. Instead, Hitler’s survival led to brutal reprisals and prolonged suffering. It’s chilling to think how close the world came to cutting WWII short.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Global Nuclear War (1962)
For 13 days in 1962, the world held its breath as Soviet missiles in Cuba put the US on the brink of annihilation. One wrong move—one trigger-happy officer—could have launched nuclear war. A Soviet submarine nearly fired a nuclear torpedo after losing contact with Moscow. Only cooler heads like Kennedy and Khrushchev prevented doomsday. We came closer to extinction than most people realize.
The UK Nearly Switched to Driving on the Right (1960s)
In the 1960s, British officials seriously debated making drivers switch from the left side of the road to the right. The idea was to align with Europe and reduce accidents involving tourists. But public outrage killed the plan—no one wanted to relearn driving overnight. Today, the UK remains one of the few places where drivers stick to the left. Imagine the chaos if they’d gone through with it!
The US Almost Adopted a 13-Month Calendar (1900s)
Ever heard of the “International Fixed Calendar”? It had 13 months, each exactly 28 days long, plus an extra “Year Day.” Businesses loved it for accounting, but people hated losing their familiar months. The plan died out by the 1930s. If it had stuck, birthdays would always fall on the same weekday—no more checking the calendar for your next Friday the 13th.
Abraham Lincoln Almost Didn’t Attend Ford’s Theatre (1865)
Lincoln had second thoughts about going to Ford’s Theatre that fateful night. He’d canceled earlier but changed his mind to please his wife. That decision sealed his fate—Booth was waiting. Had he stayed home, Reconstruction might have been smoother, and racial tensions less explosive. One small choice rewrote America’s future.
The Failed Plot to Kill Queen Elizabeth I – Babington Plot (1586)
Catholic conspirators planned to assassinate Elizabeth I and crown Mary, Queen of Scots instead. But spies intercepted their coded letters, leading to Mary’s execution. If the plot had worked, England might have reverted to Catholicism, changing Protestant history forever. Elizabeth’s survival ensured Britain’s rise as a global power.
Alaska Almost Became Part of Canada
Before the US bought Alaska in 1867, Russia almost sold it to Britain (and later Canada). The deal fell through over price negotiations. Imagine Canada stretching all the way to Russia today! Instead, America got its “Seward’s Folly,” which turned out to be a gold and oil jackpot.
The US Almost Abolished the Electoral College (1970s)
In the 1970s, Congress nearly scrapped the Electoral College after tight elections sparked outrage. The amendment passed the House but died in the Senate by just a few votes. If it had succeeded, every presidential race since would have been decided by popular vote—no more swing-state drama.
Project A119 – The US Military’s Plan to Nuke the Moon (1950s)
Yes, the US once considered nuking the Moon to scare the Soviets. Scientists argued it would be a “spectacular show of force.” Thankfully, they realized it was a terrible idea—radioactive moon dust raining on Earth? No thanks. The Moon survived, and so did we.
JFK Almost Attacked China During the Taiwan Crisis (1961)
Military leaders pushed Kennedy to bomb Chinese bases over Taiwan. He refused, avoiding a war that could’ve dragged in the USSR. His restraint kept Asia from becoming another Cold War battleground. One impulsive strike could’ve set the Pacific on fire.
Churchill Almost Died in a Car Crash in New York (1931)
A taxi nearly killed Churchill in NYC years before WWII. He was hit crossing the street and barely survived. Without him, Britain might have lacked the defiant leader who rallied them against Hitler. History hinged on that one New York intersection.
The Nazis Almost Built an Atomic Bomb
Hitler’s scientists were close—they just lacked enough uranium. If they’d succeeded, London or Moscow could’ve been wiped off the map. The Allies’ sabotage and Germany’s resource shortages saved the world from nuclear terror.
Martin Luther King Jr. Almost Quit the Civil Rights Movement (1956)
Death threats and exhaustion drove MLK to consider quitting in 1956. Then an anonymous caller (some say it was LBJ) urged him to keep fighting. Had he stepped down, segregation might have lasted decades longer. One phone call changed millions of lives.
Britain Almost Joined a European Superstate (1950s–60s)
Decades before Brexit, the UK toyed with joining a political “United States of Europe.” They backed out, fearing lost sovereignty. If they’d joined, Brexit might never have happened—or the EU would look entirely different today.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
