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Birth
Nicholas II Romanov also is known as Nikolai Alexsandrovich Romanov was born on May 18th, 1868, in St. Petersburg. Czar Nicholas II was the eldest son of Czar Alexander III and Czarina Maria Fyodorvna. He had three younger brothers and two younger sisters. “History - Historic Figures: Nicholas II (1868-1918).” BBC, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/nicholas_ii.shtml. -
Growing up
He was taught by private tutors mainly foreign languages, history, and war. After traveling a lot at the age of 19 he joined the army. Even though he had private tutors he was never taught by his father about politics which was then a problem when he became Emperor of all Russia. Keep, John L.H. “Nicholas II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 13 July 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Nicholas-II-tsar-of-Russia. -
Fathers Death and Marriage:
His father (Czar Alexander III) died of kidney disease on October 20, 1894. Nicholas was 26 years old and was soon to become the next emperor of all Russia. A month later Nicholas married Alexandra Feodorvna who was the daughter of Princess Alice of the United Kingdom and Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse. “Alexandra Feodorovna.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 26 June 2020, www.biography.com/political-figure/alexandra-feodorovna. -
Becoming a czar:
Nicholas and Alexandra were crowned in May 1896. Nicholas mistrusted most of his ministers when he became emperor. He only trusted himself and his family. He kept his father conservative policies which were financial reforms, an alliance with France, and the achievement of the Trans-Siberian Railroad in 1902. “Biography.” Ducksters Educational Site, www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/tsar_nicholas_ii.php. -
Russo-Japanese War
In 1891, he visited India, and shortly he directed the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Nicholas attempted to reinforce Russian influence in Korea, but Japan already had a foothold there. This provoked Japan to attack Russia in 1904-1905 and claim victory. The defeat of Russia presented Nicholas with more problems back home. Keep, John L.H. “Nicholas II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 13 July 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Nicholas-II-tsar-of-Russia. -
His First Son
Alexei Nikolaevich Tsarevich was born on August 12, 1904. When he was born they found out he had Hemophilia. Hemophilia is a disease that causes you not to have normal blood clotting. The family kept this a secret for a long time from the public, and this is when they met Grigori Rasputin. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Alexis.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 21 Aug. 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Alexis-prince-of-Russia-1904-1918. -
Bloody Sunday
Many labor workers and peasants lived in poverty, worked long hours, and had little food. They created groups of people that wanted change and were lead by a priest named Georgy Gapon. Czar Nicholas was not in the city and had left Grand Duke Vladimir in charge. He fired upon the crowed and more than 100 protesters were killed and several were injured. -
The Duma and 1905 Russian Revolution:
After Bloody Sunday, there were many outbreaks of the civilians going against the government. This forced Czar Nicholas to create a new government that included an elected legislature called the Duma. Nicholas promised that no law as to take effect without the Duma’s consent. However, Nicholas cared little about his promises thus the Duma was dissolved as “insubordinate". “History - Historic Figures: Nicholas II (1868-1918).” BBC, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/nicholas_ii.shtml. -
World War I
In 1914, Russia joined World War I and was allied with Brittain and France. They were really unprepared because they didn’t really think they would have many casualties. Millions of workers and peasants were forced to join the army even with little training, no shoes, and little food. They were defeated by the Germans. In 1915, Nicholas took command over the army. “History - Historic Figures: Nicholas II (1868-1918).” BBC, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/nicholas_ii.shtml. -
Russian Revolution
In March 1917, a group of citizens including the army garrison were demanding socialist reforms, and Nicholas was told to abdicate. He soon renounced the throne to his brother Micheal, but he refused, and thus came the end of the czarist autocracy Russia. The family was held at the Czarskoye Selo palace by Russia’s Government. In August they were moved by the orders of Petrograd Soviet. “Biography.” Ducksters Educational Site, www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_i/tsar_nicholas_ii.php. -
Death
In the spring of 1918, Nicholas and his family were relocated to Yekaterinburg Urals. The civil war broke out in June 1918 and local authorities were instructed to not rescue the Romanovs. On the night of July 17, 1918, the family and four of their servants were ordered to dress quickly for a family photo. The family and servants were arranged in two rows. Out of nowhere a dozen armed men burst the doors open and shot the imperial family.
www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/nicholas_ii.shtml.
