Herblock uses the unchained figure as a metaphor for events that started the build up to World War II in Europe. During the autumn of 1935, Italian troops marched through Ethiopia toward the French Somaliland border, straining the alliance that England, France, and Italy had created against Germany. England sought assurances from Germany that no French invasion was imminent but sent their naval fleet into the Mediterranean near Italy. Feeling betrayed, Italy broke off diplomatic relations and sought détente with Germany.