The Brobdingnagian Military and the Parade
Gulliver's TravelsThe description of the Brobdingnagian army, its organization, and the impressive display of cavalry that Gulliver witnesses.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe King's Army
The Militia Forces
The Composition
The king's army consists of a hundred and seventy-six thousand foot and thirty-two thousand horse. It is made up of tradesmen and farmers, commanded by the nobility and gentry, without pay or reward.
The Discipline
The troops are perfect in their exercises and under good discipline. Gulliver sees the militia of Lorbrulgrud drawn out to exercise in a great field twenty miles square. There are twenty-five thousand foot and six thousand horse.
The Spectacle
The cavalry, mounted on horses about ninety feet high, draw their swords at once, brandishing them in the air. It looks like ten thousand flashes of lightning. Gulliver is awed by the sight.
The Reason for the Army
The Historical Context
The Causes of War
Gulliver learns that the Brobdingnagians have been troubled by the same diseases as other nations: the nobility contending for power, the people for liberty, and the king for absolute dominion. These have sometimes caused civil wars.
The Composition
The last civil war was ended by the king's grandfather in a general composition. The militia was then settled with common consent and has been kept in strict duty ever since.
The Contrast with Europe
Unlike European standing armies, the Brobdingnagian army is a militia of citizens. It is not a mercenary force. This reflects the king's belief that a free people should defend themselves, not hire soldiers.
during the Brobdingnag stay, chapter 7
during the Brobdingnag stay, chapter 7
