Abstract
The article discusses the scientific experience of using the „alternative history” method in the study of the history of the Second World War. The authors revealed the peculiarities of the methodology for applying this method in world historical science until the middle of the twentieth century, showed its research capabilities and shortcomings. The features of the use of the method of alternative history in the modern historiography of the Second World War are revealed. The purpose of this article is to compare the main methodological approaches to the application of the method of „alternative history” in the historiography of World War II, to determine the degree of their appropriateness and correctness. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are set: to consider the genesis of the method of „alternative history”, to establish and reveal its key provisions, the algorithm of use, application and features of use in British and Russian historiography. At the present stage, the method of alternative history makes it possible to significantly expand the cognitive possibilities in the study of the history of the Second World War. Its use was pioneered by representatives of Anglo-American historiography. In the post-Soviet space, this method was established much later.
Highlights
The method of „alternative history” is one of the youngest directions in the methodology of historical research
The first known use of alternative history was noted by the ancient Roman historian Titus Livius in his epic treatise „History of Rome from the founding of the city” (Tit Liviy, 1989)
The famous British historian George Trevelyan became the first author of a full-fledged scientific work using alternative history
Summary
The method of „alternative history” is one of the youngest directions in the methodology of historical research. The famous British historian George Trevelyan became the first author of a full-fledged scientific work using alternative history. The construction of alternative historical models has become considered quite acceptable, albeit somewhat exotic, scientific method for other areas of historical science. The subject of retro-forecasting is the study of bifurcation points (better known as „fork”), some key moments in history, during which the choice of the path of further development of society from a fan of different alternatives.
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