A much larger counterfactual considers Germany obtaining and using nuclear weapons first. Destroying or coercing Britain would not necessarily remove the United States from the war. Washington would see the attack as a direct future threat and would also fear German nuclear knowledge reaching Japan. Once the United States fielded its own weapons, Germany would face retaliation. In this interpretation, the breakthrough changes the war's destruction more readily than its final outcome.
Notable Point · 13:52-14:40
A German nuclear breakthrough still would not guarantee victory
Even if Germany struck Britain with a nuclear weapon, likely American retaliation and fear of technology transfer to Japan would prevent a German strategic victory.