In 21 short case studies, this short book examines the distinctive coincidental history of America, Britain, and various Asian countries during the twentieth century. It covers a wide range of historical events, from American expansion into the Pacific to the creation of the Soviet gulags in Siberia to the end of the Vietnam War. Its main goal is to show how watershed historical events can often become layered or overlap each other, sometimes by intent but often merely by happenstance. As Ian Fleming once famously opined about actions in war: “Once is happenstance. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is enemy action.” “Bruce Elleman’s new book is a concise and useful addition to the otherwise larger studies on twentieth-century world history. His book presents twenty-one coincidental episodes that the author suggests may have changed the course of history. He lets the reader decide. This short book revisits many familiar topics that are presented in new ways, challenging readers to ask new questions. The importance of this book lies in the author’s posing alternative possibilities for historical causation.” ― Robert Antony , Professor, Shandong University, China “This engaging collection of historical vignettes offers thought-provoking insights and unique perspectives on some of the major historical events of the twentieth century while also showing how some truly obscure and seemingly minor incidents may be more significant than one might imagine.” ― Harold Tanner , Professor, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences “Professor Bruce Elleman is a global historian with a formidable knowledge, especially of East Asia (including the territory of the former Soviet Union) and of naval affairs. His books explore history from perspectives that have escaped the attention of the most attentive historians. This book will be an ‘easy read for students and anyone curious about World history. It could serve a large range of needs, from specialist to casual.’” ― Hiroaki Kuromiya , Professor of History Emeritus, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA Bruce A. Elleman received his BA from UC Berkeley in 1982, his MA in 1984, a master of philosophy degree in 1987, an East Asian Certificate in 1988, and his Ph.D. in 1993 at Columbia University. In addition, he completed a master of sciences degree at the London School of Economics in 1985, and a master of arts in national security and strategic studies (with distinction) at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, in 2004.