War and Peace, Part 2: Second Epilogue, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. The narrator explains how ancient historians attribute national movements to rulers whose wills receive divine direction.
2. He argues that modern historians retain individual leadership and predetermined goals while rejecting their religious foundation.
3. He describes movements across Europe, widespread destruction, and the urgent questions these events raise.
4. He presents a sample historical account centered on rulers, battles, personal qualities, and diplomatic conversations.
5. He rejects such explanations because they do not identify the force connecting individuals with collective action.

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