-
Old Major's Speech ~ Karl Marx Publishes "Communist Manifesto" Which Described a Utopia
Old Major's Speech was very similar to Karl Marx's book. Both described a type of utopia where everyone was happy. Old Major and Karl Marx both would have made good leaders, because of their just principles. However, they would not have been effective because of too much leniency. -
Animals take Manor Farm from Mr. Jones ~ Russians Revolt Against Tsar Nicholas II
The animals revolting against Mr. Jones is very similar to the Russians overthrowing the tzar. Both parties were trying to excape tyranny. Mr. Jones was too effective without any moral aspect. Therefore, the animal/russian revolts were inevetable. To be an effective and long lasting leader, one must have a balance between goodness and effectiveness so that orders would be followed, and revolts would be minimized. -
Napoleon and Snowball Fight ~ Stalin and Trotsky Fight
The power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball represents the power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky. Napoleon being ruthless like Stalin, and Snowball being more benevolent, like Trotsky. Snowball seemed like he had the perfect balance of goodness and effectiveness, because he was slighly forcing, but still followed the main principles of Animal Farm. Napoleon was effective, but with no moral aspect. Therefore, the animals would revolt in good time. -
Snowball Exiled ~ Trotsky Exiled
Snowball gets exiled by Napoleon in the exact same way that Trotsky gets exiled. This signifies the tyranny about to be exerted on the animals. This also shows the one flaw in Snowball's leadership skill; he forgot that revolts could still happen if one was seeking power. -
Windmill Building Commences ~ Industrialization Begins
After Snowball gets chased out, Napoleon starts forcing the animals to work. This is similar to the industrialization after Trotsky got kicked out by Stalin. The animals are not aware of the fact that they are being forced to work. This is an example of the effectiveness of Napoleon's leadership. -
Deal With Frederick ~ Germany - Russia Non-Aggression Pact
Animal Farm makes a deal with Frederick. This is akin to Russia making a deal with Germany. Orwell seemed to hold Germany in low regard based on the way he described Frederick, because of the existing World War. The deal shows the animals one of their first glimpses of Napoleon's dark nature. First of all, the animals hadn't liked humans at all. Second of all, Frederick was known for his cruelty. Third of all, the original deal he made was with the more honest Pilkington, who Napoleon betrayed. -
Rations Cut For Lower Class Animals ~ Widespread Famine
Around Winter time, Stalin reduced rations for the peasant class greatly because of lower amounts of food. Likewise, Napoleon almost starves all of the lower class animals. The animals only accept what he says because of again, Napoleon's manipulatory powers. Napoleon made a very effective decision in doing this, because overall Napoleon would profit exponentially more. -
Animal Farm Recognized by Other Farms ~ USSR Recognized by U.S.
The United States was the last powerful nation to recognize the Soviet Union as a new power. This symbolizes the acceptance of Animal Farm as an actual farm by the general population. Napoleon starts to become very focused on maintaining the appearance of Animal Farm for the outside world. This makes sense, because Napoleon already was stopping revolts from the inside, and now started to protect from the outside. This is another example that shows just how effective Napoleon truly was. -
Elimination of Possible Traitors ~ Great Purge
The Great Purge began in 1937. Stalin systematically eliminated everyone that had any chance pf betraying him. This is similar to Napoleon killing all of the animals that had even the slightest of confessions. This marks the climax of terror in Animal Farm. Napoleon's decision to do this was very effective. There would be less plots on Napoleon's life, and by making all the other animals watch, the animals would learn the new enforced consequences. -
Frederick Betrays Animal Farm ~ Germany Betrays Russia
Frederick giving counterfeit money to Animal Farm represents going back on a deal, similar to Germany disregarding their peace treaty. Napoleon flies into a rage when this happens. When the animals fights for the farm, Napoleon urges them to attack with all their might, while he stays back in cowardice. This is effective leadership, because if dead, no-one can lead.
