Gunpowder Production in Peter the Great’s Russia (Insights from Russian Historiography)

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the studies published by Russian researchers of the pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods, the article overviews the development of gunpowder production in Russia during the reign of Peter I, from the end of the 17th century to the first quarter of the 18th century. The early development of military-technical policy pursued by the Russian state in producing gunpowder is considered. Its inconsistency and zigzag nature are shown. The industrial infrastructure for gunpowder production and the major stages of its history are described. The characteristic features that point to its institutionalization as an integral part of the Russian military industry are identified: state management of the industry, centralized introduction of new techniques, and establishment of an effective personnel training system. The conclusion is made that the efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in gunpowder production through the use of saltpeter and sulfur were unsuccessful. Gunpowder production in Russia was also greatly influenced by the European raw materials market and technical expertise. The need for further research on this topic is highlighted.

Keywords

• gunpowder
• gunpowder production
• saltpeter
• saltpeter production
• sulfur
• chemical industry
• military industry
• peter the great’s era
• gunpowder factory
• firearms