One methodological distinction assigns storytelling to alternate history and logical development from a point of divergence to counterfactual history. The objection here is that well-constructed alternate history can also develop logically from a divergence. Fictional storytelling and historical examination can serve different purposes, but a different label does not by itself change the reasoning. German machinery decisions in the 1920s and early 1930s illustrate how early procurement choices can have long consequences. Naval diesel options and the army's preference for petrol are the examples used. These decisions are placed before Nazi accession to power.
Notable Point · 49:24-51:09
Alternate history and counterfactual reasoning
A methodological argument challenges a sharp distinction between alternate history and counterfactual history, using German fuel choices as an example.