Toy figures of soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars, first half of the 19th century

The memory of the “Napoleonic Wars” shaped the generations that followed. Boys were given a military upbringing through their toys. And by re-enacting the wars they were able to absorb and rehearse their family’s political stance – progressive (France and allies) or conservative (Austria/Russia/Prussia and allies). This set of figures contains French, Russian, Bavarian, Belgian and Prussian soldiers, each correctly labelled on the back. This taught the next generation which figure should be assigned to which unit and which country. We can assume that the game was also used as an opportunity to teach children which troops should be placed on opposing sides of the battle to be “historically correct”.

Following the French Revolution (1789/99), France waged wars across Europe. This led to the creation of new states that were dependent on France. For example the Kingdom of Bavaria, founded in 1806, which also included Tyrol, South Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Salzburg and the Innviertel region. In 1808 this new kingdom adopted a constitution that was based on the model of the French Revolution. It guaranteed fundamental civil rights and liberties.

Number: Eight toy figures

Associated date: First half of the 19th century

Height: c. 10 cm 

Width: c. 8 cm

Materials: paper, hand-coloured prints, wood with ink writing on reverse

Acquisition: Purchase