It all finally comes to the battle. After a tense stand-off the Government forces finally storm the Eureka Stockade. The diggers are overwhelmed and at the end of it all 22 diggers and 6 soldiers lie dead. Though some put the death toll as high as 60.  13 men are charged with treason, but the key ring leaders including Peter Lalor (who is severely wounded) remain at large.

The Victorian population do not take kindly to the Government's actions and there is concern that there might be an uprising.