The World Set Free · Chapter
III: The Ending of War explained
The chapter depicts the final phase of the Last War, as the world descends into anarchic destruction from atomic bombs.
What happens
The chapter depicts the final phase of the Last War, as the world descends into anarchic destruction from atomic bombs. Amidst the chaos, Leblanc organizes a conference at Brissago to establish a world government. King Egbert, a rebel monarch, walks to the conference, while King Ferdinand Charles, a Balkan king, plots to hide atomic bombs from the new world authorities, fearing execution.
Themes in this chapter
The Obsolescence of Nationalism and War
King Egbert declares 'the old game’s up' and advocates for a single world government, while the chapter shows the futility of nationalist conflict in the face of atomic destruction.
Technological Progress and Its Consequences
Atomic bombs cause uncontrollable fires and anarchy, illustrating the destructive potential of technological advancement and the need for global governance.
Social and Economic Transformation
The collapse of credit, industry, and government leads to starvation and chaos, forcing a radical reorganization of society through the Brissago conference.
The Inevitability of Change and Adaptation
Leblanc's patient persuasion and the conference's success demonstrate that humanity must adapt to new conditions or face extinction.
Characters to notice
- King Egbert
A rebel king who walks to the Brissago conference, advocating for a single world government and dismissing old nationalist games.
- Firmin
King Egbert's adviser, who hesitates about abandoning traditional diplomacy and is burdened by a knapsack during their mountain hike.
- Leblanc
The indefatigable organizer of the Brissago conference, who tirelessly persuades world leaders to agree on a new world order.
- Young Holsten
The world-famous scientist who attends the Brissago conference to contribute his amateur statecraft.
- King Ferdinand Charles
A Balkan king who secretly plots to hide atomic bombs from the world government, fearing execution.
- Doctor Pestovitch
King Ferdinand Charles's councillor, who advises him on hiding the bombs and assists in the clandestine plan.
- Peter
King Ferdinand Charles's guard-valet, who accompanies him in disguise during the night operation to move the bombs.
- Frederick Barnet
Mentioned as a contemporary writer who described humanity as a sleeper handling matches in his sleep, and who experienced despair during the war's final phase.
Key passages
“the threat of war means the accumulation of more and more atomic bombs. The old game’s up.”
War now only leads to more atomic bombs; the traditional approach to conflict is obsolete.
King Egbert argues that nationalism and war are no longer viable.
“There’s got to be one simple government for all the world.”
A single world government is necessary.
King Egbert advocates for global unity to prevent further destruction.
“Humanity has been compared by one contemporary writer to a sleeper who handles matches in his sleep and wakes to find himself in flames.”
Humanity is like a sleepwalker who accidentally starts a fire and only wakes when already burning.
Barnet's metaphor for the unintended self-destruction caused by atomic warfare.
“Never at any time did he betray a doubt that all this chaotic conflict would end.”
Leblanc never showed any uncertainty that the chaos would eventually cease.
Leblanc's unwavering optimism and determination to achieve peace.
“Do you think there’s any pity in that crew of Godless, Vivisecting Prigs?”
Do you believe those godless, coldly rational people have any mercy?
King Ferdinand Charles expresses his contempt and fear of the new world government.
