Last and First Men · Chapter
II: The Anglo-French War explained
This chapter describes a brief but tragic conflict between England and France that occurs within a century after the European War.
What happens
This chapter describes a brief but tragic conflict between England and France that occurs within a century after the European War. England, in a moment of cosmopolitan idealism, sends a peace message to France, but an accidental bombing kills a popular princess, inflaming public opinion and leading to war. The chapter also recounts a prior conflict between France and Italy, and reflects on how these events, driven by accidents and lack of vision, sealed the fate of the First Men and led to a dark age.
Themes in this chapter
Society and Collective Identity
The chapter explores the tension between national identity and cosmopolitan ideals, as seen in England's peace message and the reactions of various nations.
Suffering and Redemption
The accidental bombing and the death of the princess lead to suffering and a missed opportunity for redemption through peace.
The Limits of Knowledge
The chapter highlights how accidents and lack of foresight derail the course of history, showing the limits of human planning and understanding.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Provides the historical overview and commentary on the events.
- The First Men
Their fate is sealed by the Anglo-French War and other conflicts.
- The English and French
The two nations involved in the war, with England's peace gesture and France's response.
- The Italians
Involved in a prior conflict with France, leading to a brief war.
- The Germans
Mentioned as becoming pacifist after the European War.
Key passages
“During the bombardment a special meeting of the British Cabinet was held in a cellar in Downing Street.”
While bombs fell, the British Cabinet convened in a basement shelter.
Sets the scene of crisis and decision-making.
“From the people of England to the people of France. Catastrophe has fallen on us at your hands. In this hour of agony, all hate and anger have left us.”
England sends a message of peace to France, renouncing hatred and anger despite the catastrophe.
Highlights the idealistic peace gesture.
“It would be better even that a great people should be destroyed than that the whole race should be thrown into turmoil.”
The message suggests that sacrificing a nation is preferable to plunging humanity into chaos.
Emphasizes the cosmopolitan ideal over national pride.
“That night the people of London (those who were left) experienced an exaltation of spirit.”
The surviving Londoners felt a spiritual uplift despite the destruction.
Shows the emotional impact of the peace gesture.
“In a few seconds an immense explosion occurred in the neighbourhood of a great school and a royal palace.”
A bomb exploded near a school and a palace, causing great destruction.
The accidental bombing that changes the course of events.
“Her body, obscenely mutilated, but still recognizable to every student of the illustrated papers, was impaled upon some high park-railings beside the main thoroughfare towards the city.”
The princess's mutilated body was found on railings, a shocking image that inflamed public opinion.
The tragic incident that derails peace.
