Battle of the Windmill (Animal Farm)

The Battle of the Windmill is a fictional battle in the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell. In real life, with events in Animal Farm mirroring those in the Soviet Union, this represents the Great Patriotic War (World War II), mostly the Battle of Stalingrad.

For two years, the animals of Animal Farm worked to construct a windmill that would help with their work. The first attempt was destroyed by a storm because of its thin walls, but the leader Napoleon claims it was sabotaged by Snowball. Finally, the animals completed the windmill. Afterwards, Napoleon made deals with two neighboring farms, Foxwood (led by Mr. Pilkington) and Pinchfield (led by Mr. Frederick). Napoleon accepted a deal with Frederick and sold timber for five pounds. Three days later, Napoleon discovered the notes were counterfeit. He immediately ordered a death sentence on Frederick.

The next morning, Frederick and his men arrived with the intent to attack and gain control of the title deeds of Animal Farm. The animals realized that they couldn't win like they did at the Battle of the Cowshed: there were more men and six had firearms. Napoleon expected that Pilkington would come help, but his pigeons delivered a message from Pilkington: "Serves you right." With all the animals frightened, Napoleon and Boxer were unable to rally the others.

The first thing Frederick and his men did was proceed to the windmill. There, they drilled a hole and placed blasting powder inside. They detonated and the windmill was destroyed. The infuriated animals attacked, but sustained heavy casualties. After a violent and costly confrontation, Napoleon unleashed his corps of attack dogs; after their attack, the animals prevailed with the retreat of the men. However, it came at great cost.

The battle is absent in the 1999 film version; in the film, Mr. and Mrs. Jones destroy the windmill themselves.