| 1862 | |
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200px Cover of the book 1862 by Robert Conroy. | |
| Author | Robert Conroy |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Alternate history |
| Publisher | Presidio Press |
| Publication date | 2006 February 28 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 416 pp |
| ISBN | 0345482379 |
| OCLC Number | 64279922 |
1862 is an alternate history novel by Robert Conroy. It depicts an American Civil War in which Great Britain allies itself with the Confederacy after the Trent Affair. In the real history, cooler heads prevailed after the seizure of the Trent by Union forces, but according to the author's research, Great Britain had considered declaring war on the United States over the matter.[1] The British opted instead to retaliate diplomatically by recognizing the Confederacy as a belligerent instead of merely being a rebellion.
Plot summary[]
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In the year 1862 Britain gets involved in the War of Southern Independence on the side of the Confederacy after the Trent Affair. After numerous defeats, losing Robert E. Lee, and losing most of Canada, the Union offers Great Britain peace on the Unions terms. Great Britain switches sides in the war and frames the Confederacy saying they caused the Trent Affair. Most of the battles take place in Canada or in the oceans, like Hampton Roads. A cavalry battle near the end of the novel takes place on the outskirts of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, presumably Hummelstown, Pennsylvania and Hershey, Pennsylvania. The climatic battle takes place at Washington, D.C.
Literary criticism and reception[]
While many of the "facts" in the novel have been disputed, the author defends them on the basis of interpretation and literary license. The author is a three times nominee for the Sidewise Award.
