When The War of the Worlds was written, England feared _____.A.attack from another countryB.economic collapseC.plagueD.alien invasion

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

To answer the question, we need to identify the central themes and societal fears during the time when "The War of the Worlds" was written (1898).

Step 2: Relevant Concepts

H.G. Wells, the author of "The War of the Worlds," often incorporated contemporary issues and fears of his time into his works. The late 19th century was marked by various anxieties, primarily:

• Fears of invasion (especially from countries like Germany)
• Concerns about colonialism and its repercussions
• New advancements in technology and their potential threats

Step 3: Analysis and Detail

1. Attack from another country: There was significant concern about military threats, especially as European tensions rose.
2. Economic collapse: While economic concerns existed, they were not the most immediate fear reflected in dystopian literature of that time.
3. Plague: Diseases were a concern but not the primary theme of Wells' work.
4. Alien invasion: This is the literal plot of the book, where Martians invade Earth, symbolizing the fears of colonialism and outsider threats.

Step 4: Verify and Summarize

Considering the context and themes of "The War of the Worlds," the primary fear represented within the narrative is indeed that of alien invasion, serving as an allegory for imperialism and invasion fears.

Final Answer

The correct answer is D. alien invasion.