War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, published in 1898, that depicts an alien invasion of Earth by Martians. The story serves as a metaphor for the effects of imperialism, showcasing the consequences of colonization and the dehumanization of both the colonizer and the colonized. This narrative reflects the anxieties of a world increasingly shaped by imperialistic endeavors, technological advancements, and global conflicts.