The Conflict Between Animal Farm and the Human World

Traces the evolving relationship between Animal Farm and the neighboring human farms, from open hostility to collaboration.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Initial Hostility

The War of Ideas The Spread of the Rebellion Snowball and Napoleon send pigeons to spread news of the Rebellion. The human farmers are terrified and spread counter-propaganda. The Battle of the Cowshed Jones attempts to recapture the farm but is defeated. The human world is shocked by the animals' success. The Continuing Fear Human farmers fear that their own animals might rebel. They maintain a hostile stance but cannot stop the spread of 'Beasts of England.'

The Beginnings of Trade

The Necessary Compromise The Need for Goods Animal Farm needs paraffin, nails, tools, and machinery. Napoleon decides to trade with humans through Whymper. The Uneasy Coexistence Whymper acts as an intermediary. The animals are uneasy, but the pigs convince them it is necessary for the windmill. The Shift in Policy The revolutionaries now engage with the very system they overthrew. The conflict is no longer absolute.

The Battle of the Windmill

The Renewed Attack Frederick's Treachery Frederick of Pinchfield pays for timber with forged banknotes, then attacks the farm with dynamite, blowing up the windmill. The Animals' Desperate Defense The animals fight back, suffering losses. They win the battle but lose the windmill. The human world is divided; Pilkington refuses to help. The Aftermath Napoleon declares a victory, but the farm is in ruins. The conflict with humans has become a cycle of exploitation and violence.

The Final Amity

The Alliance of Oppressors The Dinner Party Napoleon hosts a dinner for human farmers. They agree on common interests: controlling the lower animals and the lower classes. The Name Change Napoleon reverts the farm name to Manor Farm, symbolizing the complete reconciliation with the human order. The Indistinguishability The pigs and humans are now allies. The original conflict between animal and human has been replaced by a new alliance of the powerful.

the first year

the second year

the third year

the end of the story