It seems to be general knowledge that the United States is the leader of the free world, a symbol for democracy, liberty, and justice. In Gulliver's Travels, Gulliver feels similar pride for England as a politically and socially advanced and intelligent nation; he attempts to convince the King of Borbdingnag of his country's greatness. Gulliver's efforts at such persuasion, however, only prove England's horrendous tendencies towards aggression. Present-day United States is unfortunately past-day England, each nation influencing and controlling its members and characters (respectively) to destroy.

Gulliver reaches the topic of weapons in his discussion with the King. He seeks to "ingratiate [himself] farther into his Majesty's favor" by telling him of the canon, an English invention with a "certain powder...of which the smallest spark of fire falling would kindle the whole in a moment, although it were as big...