First published serially in 1897, The War of the Worlds is a work of science fiction. It features interplanetary conflict, innovative technology, and a Martian invasion of Victorian England—all of which are common elements of science fiction. It has inspired countless literary adaptations in this genre. It even encouraged Robert H. Goddard to develop ideas that led to a liquid-fueled rocket that paved the way for the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing.
This novel also shares some aspects with adventure stories, considering the Martians' pursuit of humanity and the narrator's quest for survival. But instead of a traditional hero who actively pursues his own quest (and encounters obstacles along the way), this story features a reactive protagonist who must run and hide in hopes of surviving an alien invasion.
Lastly, The War of the Worlds forged a new path for the genre of Invasion Literature. Former works in this genre focused on the military conquest of a city or country by a foreign enemy. Wells took this idea to an extreme with a story about alien invaders. He capitalized on the tension among European states by emphasizing the Martians' desire to conquer Earth. This spin-off on more traditional Invasion Literature appealed to readers on many levels; it not only serves as a prime example of science-fiction, but it also provides fascinating commentary on the politics of invasion and colonialism.
