# III: The Ending of War explained — The World Set Free > Chapter companion for The World Set Free by H. G. Wells. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_world_set_free_se/chapters/iii-the-ending-of-war - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_world_set_free_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_world_set_free_se/chapters