Who was Nicholas II? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Nick Name: Bloody Nicholas

Also Known As: Nicholas II of Russia, Nikolai II Alexandrovich Romanov, Saint Nicholas the Passion-Bearer

Died At Age: 50

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Alexandra Feodorovna (m. 1894–1918)

father: Alexander III of Russia

mother: Maria Feodorovna

siblings: Alexander, George, Michael, Olga, Xenia

children: Alexei Nikolaevich, Anastasia Nikolaevna, Maria Nikolaevna, Olga Nikolaevna Tatiana Nikolaevna, Tsarevich of Russia

Emperors & Kings Russian Men

Died on: July 17, 1918

place of death: Russia

Ancestry: Danish Russian, German Russian

Cause of Death: Execution

City: Saint Petersburg, Russia

Recommended For You

1

Was Nicholas II a successful ruler?

Nicholas II's reign was marked by political turmoil, economic struggles, and social unrest. He faced numerous challenges, including the Revolution of 1905 and World War I, which ultimately led to his abdication in 1917. Many historians view him as an ineffective and autocratic ruler who was unable to address the needs of his people.
2

What led to the downfall of Nicholas II?

Nicholas II's downfall can be attributed to a combination of factors, including his autocratic rule, economic hardships, and military failures during World War I. The discontent among the Russian people, as well as the influence of revolutionary movements, ultimately led to his abdication in 1917.
3

Did Nicholas II have any reforms during his reign?

While Nicholas II did introduce some reforms during his reign, such as the establishment of the State Duma and the implementation of limited political reforms after the Revolution of 1905, these measures were largely seen as insufficient to address the growing demands for change within Russian society.
4

What role did Rasputin play in Nicholas II's rule?

Rasputin, a Siberian mystic and confidant of the Romanov family, held considerable influence over Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. His controversial presence at the Russian court and his perceived influence on the royal family further eroded the public's trust in the Tsar, contributing to the growing discontent that ultimately led to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty.
5

How did Nicholas II's abdication impact Russia?

Nicholas II's abdication in 1917, marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of a period of political instability in Russia. His removal from power paved the way for the establishment of a provisional government and eventually the Bolshevik Revolution, which led to the rise of the Soviet Union under communist rule.

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Childhood & Early Life

Nicholas was born on 18 May 1868, to the Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia. He was of Russian, Danish, French, and German descent.

He had five siblings, three brothers and two sisters. He completed his education mostly under private tutors and as he grew up, he became proficient in history and foreign languages.

His grandfather Alexander II was assassinated in 1881, when Nicholas was 13 years old and his father ascended the throne as Alexander III.

At the age of 19, Nicholas joined the army and served for three years in which time he reached the rank of colonel.

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Accession & Reign

On October 20, 1894, upon the death of his father, Alexander III, he was crowned king of Russia and in 1896 he was officially crowned the Tsar (Emperor) of Russia.

Nicholas II had very little knowledge of the state-of-affairs and was unable to manage his kingdom well. In 1904, when Russia was attacked at Port Arthur by Japan owing to a long-running dispute, the king's army had to surrender. Shortly, after, he parleyed with the Japanese, even though his army had suffered a huge loss.

On January 5, 1905, a peaceful protest by workers was organized by a priest called George Gapon, in St. Petersburg, who was demanding the improvement of the working conditions for the workers. However, it turned bloody when soldiers began firing at the protesters. Ninety-two people died and hundreds were injured. This day has since been referred to as ‘Blood Sunday’ in the history of Russia.

Following this incident, workers all over Russia went on a strike and in order to suppress them Nicholas II sent his troops. Forced to concede, he created an elected legislature called ‘Duma’.

At the outbreak of World War I, Russia, which was not prepared for the war, suffered huge casualties. The Tsar appointed himself the commander-in-chief of the military and was away from his residence from 1915 till August 1917.

During this time the administration fell in the hands of Empress Alexandra who depended a lot on Grigori Rasputin, a sorcerer, healer and advisor. Many ministers resigned and they were replaced by the candidates chosen by the Empress on the advice of Rasputin.

The Tsar had already lost favor with his countrymen. The war had wreaked havoc on the Russians, as poverty and inflation prevailed and the Emperor was blamed for it all.

In February 1917, the citizens rioted at St. Petersburg, demanding utmost attention to the deteriorating situation in Russia. The legislative body, Duma forced the Tsar to give up his throne, which he did on March 15, 1917.

He, along with his family, was put under house arrest and on July 17, 1918 the family was executed by the Bolsheviks, a section of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, who had sent a firing squad for the purpose.

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Major Battles

Nicholas II was the commander-in-chief of the Russian Army during World War I, under whom, the military failed to perform and the nation suffered a crushing defeat. His incapacity to understand the military stance of Russia and perceive the effects of the war paved the way for his downfall.

Awards & Achievements

Several honors and titles were bestowed on this last Tsar of Russia. He was knighted by United Kingdom in the Order of the Garte in 1893.

He also received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 1904.

Personal Life & Legacy

Nicholas II got engaged to Princess Alix of Hesse-Darmstadt of Germany on 8 April 1894. They were formally married on 26 November 1894, following Alix’s conversion from Lutheranism to Russian Orthodoxy, a few months earlier.

Their first child, Princess Olga, was born in 1895, followed by Tatiana, their second daughter in 1897 and Maria, their third daughter, who was born in 1899. In 1901, Anastasia, their fourth daughter, was born.

In 1904, the Empress gave birth to their only son Alexei. To their misfortune the boy was diagnosed with hemophilia and, finding no treatment, the Tsar sought the help of Rasputin, a monk who finally healed him.

After the fall of the Tsar and following a period of house arrest, the whole family was shot dead by the Bolsheviks on 17 July 1918.

In 1981, Nicholas II and his family were canonized (as martyr saints) by the ‘Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia’.

Facts About Nicholas II

Nicholas II was an avid photographer and took numerous personal photographs of his family and surroundings, providing a unique glimpse into his private life.

He had a fascination with technology and was particularly interested in automobiles, even owning one of the first cars in Russia.

Nicholas II had a deep love for his family and was known to be a devoted husband and father, often spending quality time with his children despite his busy schedule as ruler.

He had a passion for the arts and was a talented musician, playing the piano and composing music in his free time.

Nicholas II was known for his kindness and compassion towards those less fortunate, often visiting hospitals and charitable organizations to offer support and comfort to the sick and needy.

Nicholas II Biography

You wanted to know

Was Nicholas II a successful ruler?

What led to the downfall of Nicholas II?

Did Nicholas II have any reforms during his reign?

What role did Rasputin play in Nicholas II's rule?

How did Nicholas II's abdication impact Russia?