The Rebellion and Founding of Animal Farm

Traces the initial uprising against Mr. Jones, the establishment of Animalism, and the early achievements of the animals.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Old Major's Vision

The Night of the Vision Old Major's Speech In the big barn, under a lantern, Old Major gathers the animals and delivers a revolutionary speech. He condemns Man as the sole enemy, urges unity, and reveals the song 'Beasts of England'. His words ignite a dream of freedom. The Animals' Awakening After Major's death, the pigs—Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer—develop Animalism. They hold secret meetings, overcoming apathy and lies spread by Moses about Sugarcandy Mountain. The horses Boxer and Clover become devoted disciples. The Rebellion Begins One Midsummer's Eve, Mr. Jones gets drunk and forgets to feed the animals. Overcome by hunger, the animals break into the store-shed, then attack Jones and his men. The humans flee, and the animals take over Manor Farm, renaming it Animal Farm.

The Seven Commandments Inscribed

The Law of Animalism Inscribing the Commandments Snowball, balanced on a ladder, paints the Seven Commandments on the wall of the big barn. They become the unalterable law: enemies on two legs, friends on four, no clothes, no beds, no alcohol, no killing, all animals equal. The First Harvest Led by the pigs, the animals work collectively to bring in the hay harvest. They finish two days early, and for the first time, they taste the joy of working for themselves. The milk disappears, later revealed to be mixed into the pigs' mash. The Green Flag A green flag bearing a hoof and horn is raised. Sunday meetings are held to plan work and debate resolutions. Snowball forms committees, and Napoleon secretly raises the nine puppies for his own purposes.

The Battle of the Cowshed

The First Defense The Human Attack Mr. Jones, with men from Foxwood and Pinchfield, attempts to recapture the farm. Snowball, having studied Julius Caesar, commands the defense. Pigeons, geese, and sheep engage in skirmishes, then ambush the humans in the yard. Boxer's Fury Boxer, with his iron-shod hooves, kills a stable-lad, though he is horrified by his own violence. Snowball is wounded but leads the charge. The humans are routed, and the battle is named the Battle of the Cowshed. Celebrations and Medals Snowball and Boxer receive Animal Hero, First Class. The dead sheep is awarded Animal Hero, Second Class. The gun is set up at the foot of the flagstaff, to be fired on anniversaries.

The Windmill Dispute and Snowball's Expulsion

The Division Snowball's Dream Snowball draws intricate plans for a windmill that would bring electricity and labour-saving machines. The animals are captivated, but Napoleon opposes, arguing for increased food production. The farm splits into two factions. The Secret of the Puppies At the decisive Sunday meeting, just as Snowball's eloquent speech wins the vote, Napoleon gives a signal. Nine enormous dogs, the puppies he raised in secret, burst in and chase Snowball off the farm. He is never seen again. The End of Meetings Napoleon announces the end of Sunday debates. A committee of pigs will make all decisions. Squealer convinces the animals that Snowball was a traitor. Boxer adopts the motto 'Napoleon is always right'.

The Windmill Rebuilding and Hard Years

Toil and Sacrifice Napoleon's New Policy Napoleon announces that the windmill will be built after all, claiming it was his idea all along. The animals work a sixty-hour week, then voluntary Sunday labour. Rations are reduced. The windmill is built with immense effort, but a terrible storm destroys it. Blaming Snowball Napoleon blames Snowball for the destruction, and the animals believe it. The windmill is rebuilt with thicker walls. Food shortages worsen; the potato crop fails. The hens rebel against surrendering their eggs for trade, but are forced to capitulate. The Second Battle and Total Collapse Frederick of Pinchfield, having paid with forged banknotes for timber, attacks and blows up the rebuilt windmill with dynamite. The animals fight back savagely, but the mill is gone. Squealer declares it a victory, and the animals are left with nothing but exhaustion.

The Final Transformation into Tyranny

The Complete Circle The Pigs Adopt Human Ways The pigs begin to walk on their hind legs, carry whips, wear clothes, and sleep in beds. The Commandments are altered to permit these. The name 'Animal Farm' is changed back to 'Manor Farm'. The pigs now socialize with human farmers. The Last Memory Clover and Benjamin see the Commandments reduced to one: 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.' The sheep bleat 'Four legs good, two legs better!' The New Masters At a dinner with human farmers, Napoleon and the pigs are indistinguishable from men. The animals outside look in and see that the pigs have become exactly what they rebelled against.

the night before the Rebellion

the morning after the Rebellion

early October of the first year

the first winter

the second year onwards

years later, near the end of the story