Toy army of Peter the Great

Michael Dempsey

Who was involved?

Peter recruited the children of nobles and other high ranked people to play in his mock war game. At one point, he had over 300 children under his command.

What was the army?

It was where Peter made a large wooden fort that he then had children arm and they would attack it and play war. Even though they were using leather cannonballs, children usually died.

Where was the fort?

Peter built his little fort just outside of Moscow.

When did he make the army?

Peter formed his miniature army in 1682. The soldiers usually lived out their lives as soldiers in his real army.

Why?

Peter probably made up this army to practice and gain experience for real warfare.

Sources

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_army_of_Peter_I

• http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/peter_the_great.htm