Wolfe discusses the American Revolution, in the process comparing it with the French and Russian revolutions. Figures he concentrates on are Benjamin Franklin, emphasizing his age; Thomas Jefferson, emphasizing his Virginian heritage as key to the revolution; John Adams, emphasizing his political skill; Thomas Paine, emphasizing reforms Paine wanted that Wolfe suggests would have led to totalitarianism; and George Washington, emphasizing his military background and understanding the value of retreat. Wolfe then talks about how important in-fighting is to the success or failure of a revolution. He finishes by noting all the founding fathers died in bed, save one that died in a duel.