# III: Europe Murdered explained — Last and First Men

> Chapter companion for Last and First Men by Olaf Stapledon.

## What happens

The chapter describes the aftermath of a mysterious explosion that annihilates the American fleet, leading to a European attempt to secure the secret. The Americans, enraged, launch a genocidal gas attack on Europe, wiping out its population. The victors are left with a profound sense of guilt, which warps their national psyche. The chapter also details the disintegration of the British Empire and the futile resistance of New Zealanders.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

The Americans suffer from collective guilt after committing murder, and the Englishman's deceit serves as a redemptive act to save humanity.

### Technology and Its Dangers

The destructive gas and the mysterious explosive process highlight the catastrophic potential of advanced technology.

### Society and Collective Identity

The chapter explores how national identities (American, European, English) shape actions and reactions, and how collective guilt warps the American psyche.

## Character check-ins

### The Americans

The victors who commit genocide against Europe and are subsequently plagued by collective guilt and paranoia.

### The Englishman

A scientist who deceives his captors to prevent the discovery of the destructive process, saving humanity from self-destruction.

### The English and French

The primary victims of the American gas attack, representing the European spirit that is extinguished.

### The Chinese

Mentioned as the source of the scientist whose act triggered the war, though not directly present.

### England

Symbol of Europeanism, the target of the American attack, and the focus of New Zealand loyalty.

## Key lines

> But the most lasting agony of this war was suffered, not by the defeated, but by the victors.

The victors, the Americans, endure a deeper and more enduring pain than the defeated Europeans.

_Highlights the psychological toll on the aggressors._

> The gas employed was such that its potency would cease within three days.

The gas used was designed to dissipate within three days, allowing for safe entry.

_Details the method of the attack._

> Thus Europe died.

This was the end of Europe as a living entity.

_Summarizes the catastrophic outcome._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters/iii-europe-murdered
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/last_and_first_men_se/chapters