Playing at Empire: Toys and Games as Objects of Imperial Education

• In Event: Liberation through Play?: Toys and Games as Objects of Indoctrination and Remediation

Abstract

The nineteenth century observed an increasing emphasis on childhood in the Russian Empire. This heightened focus led to the development of various items specifically designed for children. As attitudes towards childhood evolved, play became increasingly recognized as a valuable component of children's education. Subsequently, toys, games, and children’s books became popular among the Russian upper classes, reflecting creators' and consumers' interests and concerns. Significantly, the evolving modern concept of childhood was closely intertwined with imperial ideologies and colonialism. Both emerged during this era, forming an interconnected framework for perceiving human life as a journey toward ongoing improvement.

This paper explores the role of toys and games manufactured in Imperial Russia in contributing to the expanding imperialist mindset among nineteenth-century Russians. These objects take various forms, such as representations of colonized peoples, games depicting imperial expansion, educational tools about the monarchy, and commemorations of Imperial history. By analyzing these artifacts, the paper explores how adult designers sought to influence the perceptions of Russian children as Imperial subjects and the values they aimed to impart.

Author

• Liliya Dashevski, Yale U