War and Peace Lesson Plan

In Book 3, Part 3 Chapter 1 Tolstoy writes: “To study the laws of history we must completely change the subject of our observation, must leave aside kings, ministers, and generals, and study the common, infinitesimally small elements by which the masses are moved.” What are examples so far in the narrative that illustrate Tolstoy’s point that the movement of masses are more important than the decisions of kings, ministers and generals? Are there counter examples that illustrate how the decisions of leaders are indeed significant? If they don’t have the power to direct events, why do you think history focuses so much on the actions of “great men?”

In book 3 part 2 Tolstoy...