Fall Of Giants

In the wake of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Walter worries about the instability of Europe and the threat of war. The assassin (a Bosnian nationalist) was armed and supported by Serbia. Walter worries a retaliation by Austria against Serbia could develop into a catastrophic world war. He worries about Germany’s future, but mostly he is concerned that a large-scale war could affect his future with Maud. Walter meets with a Russian informant, Anton, to gauge the Russian tsar’s response to the crisis. Anton asserts that if Serbia was invaded, Russia would likely feel threatened by Austria’s power in the Balkans, so Russia would intervene. Walter also meets his Austrian friend Robert for lunch, who voices Austria’s opinion that action must be taken against Serbia. Robert tells Walter that the Austrian emperor, Franz Josef I, contacted Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany regarding the need to suppress Serbian power. Walter feels both leaders are overly conservative and arrogant. He also believes Russia and Germany involving themselves in the Balkan crisis would escalate the situation. Walter’s father Otto believes Walter is being overly cautious and that a war may be in German interests.

At a social gathering at the Duchess of Sussex’s house, Maud asks to consult an atlas with Walter as a pretext to be alone with him. They have a sexual encounter. Later, Walter tells his father that he is in love with Maud, and he wishes to marry her. Otto is staunchly against the match; He disapproves of Maud’s radical politics and points out that Germany and England are likely to soon become enemies. He visits Maud and persuades her that a marriage between them would isolate Walter from his friends and destroy his career. Heart-broken, she decides to call off their engagement for Walter’s sake.

Ethel realizes with dread that she is pregnant. She meets with Fitz to tell him the news, and he tells her that Bea is also pregnant. The prospect of living in Aberowen as an ostracized single mother does not tempt Ethel, and she realizes that she will have to leave her home and her job. Ethel is devastated with Fitz’s cold and pragmatic response; He summons his lawyer to offer Ethel a monthly stipend to raise the baby elsewhere on the condition that she never reveals that Fitz is the father. Ethel negotiates that Fitz should buy her a house in London. He agrees to these conditions, and Ethel quietly leaves Ty Gwyn.

On her way to London, she stops at her family’s home in Aberowen to break the news and say farewell to her family. Her father, Dai Union, is furious and insists that Ethel leave immediately. Dai Union tells her she will never be welcome again in their home. Billy stands up to him to insist that he will walk Ethel to the train station.

Rumors circulate Aberowen about Ethel’s pregnancy. Billy reads an excerpt from the book of John in the Bible to the congregation of Aberowen. In the parable, Jesus addresses a crowd poised to throw stones at an adulteress. Jesus invites those without sin to cast the first stone. At the end of his reading, Billy closes his Bible and abruptly leaves the church and never returns.

Walter visits Maud in Wales and convinces her to resume their engagement.

Four weeks after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, Robert tells Walter the demands Austria has made of Serbia. The demands are stringent and harsh; Walter (and many other spectators) worry Serbia is left little room to “save face.” Serbia acquiesces to all of Austria’s demands except two, which they seek clarification on. In a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Gray and Germany’s ambassador Prince Lichnowsky, the idea of a four-power conference between Germany, Britain, Italy, and France is proposed to mediate between Austria and Serbia. Walter is hopeful, but the plan is ultimately rejected by the Germans, who feel this would be disloyal to their Austrian ally.

Meanwhile, Anton informs Walter that Russia is preparing to mobilize. Austria is not mollified by Serbia’s subservient response, so it declares war. The kaiser, as well as Britain, advises Austria to halt at Belgrade to placate Russia, but this warning is not heeded. Anton confirms that the Russian army, consisting of six million soldiers, is mobilizing.

In Britain, a Liberal-Conservative coalition is proposed. This has the effect of diluting the anti-war faction of the Liberal Party due to the involvement of the pro-war Conservatives. At the German embassy in Britain, Walter and his colleagues work hard to avoid Britain and France becoming enmeshed in the war. Conservatives, such as Fitz, are disgusted with what they perceive as British weakness in the face of the German threat to their ally France.

Meanwhile, Germany gives Russia a 12-hour deadline to halt. The Russians ignore this warning and continue advancing toward the Balkans. Germany commands France (traditionally an ally of Russia) to remain neutral. They do not respond, and Germany declares war on France. Britain asks both Germany and France to respect Belgium’s neutrality in the conflict; Germany ignores this command and moves to invade Belgium so they can attack France from the North.

Many anti-war politicians resign from Britain’s government as the decision to become involved in the conflict becomes increasingly likely. Germany’s threat to Belgium unites almost all factions of the remaining government and opposition (only the Labour leader Ramsay McDonald continues to object). Fitz, Walter, and Maud attend the crowded meeting at the House of Commons where it is decided war will be declared on Germany if Germany enters Belgium.

Walter asks Maud to marry him in secret the next day.

Walter and Maud agree on their plan to secretly marry and spend one night together before he must return to Germany. It is decided they will reveal their marriage when they are reunited after the war. Meanwhile, Britain requests that Germany withdraw their ultimatum to Belgium. The request is ignored; Germany invades Belgium, and Britain declares war on Germany.

Maud schemes how to leave the house unaccompanied to attend her and Walter’s secret wedding. She tells everyone in the household she is feeling unwell and pretends to retire to her room for the day. She dresses and manages to slip out of the house unseen. Walter brings Robert, his cousin, and Ethel Williams to witness their wedding. They are married at a registry office. Walter, Maud, Ethel, and Robert go to a hotel suite and toast the marriage. Ethel and Robert depart, and Maud and Walter consummate their marriage and spend the night together. Walter leaves for Germany the following morning.