Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas II was the last monarch of Russia. The rising political tensions against his leadership led to revolutions in 1905 and 1917. How did Nicholas II rule? And how did he end up losing control over an entire empire? Let's find out!

Get started Sign up for free
Nicholas II Nicholas II

Create learning materials about Nicholas II with our free learning app!

  • Instand access to millions of learning materials
  • Flashcards, notes, mock-exams and more
  • Everything you need to ace your exams
Create a free account

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free

Convert documents into flashcards for free with AI!

Table of contents

    Nicholas II Timeline

    Let's look at a timeline of Nicholas II's life through the 19th and early 20th century.

    DateEvent
    1868Nicholay Aleksandrovich Romanov was born, the eldest son of Tsar Alexander III.
    1 November 1894Tsar Alexander III died. Nicholas succeeded his father. Nicholas married Alexandra three weeks later.
    26 May 1896Nicholas was coronated, becoming Tsar Nicholas II with his wife Tsarina Alexandra.
    1904- 1905Russo-Japanese War broke out following Nicholas II's attempts to expand Russia to the East.
    22 January 1905Many protesters gathered in Petrograd against the Tsar. Nicholas II ordered for the Imperial Army to fire on the crowd. This was known as Bloody Sunday and hundreds were wounded or killed. It sparked the First Russian Revolution as many workers went on strike, crippling Russia's economy.
    3 March 1905Nicholas II reluctantly agreed to establish a Duma, or parliament, like in Britain.
    30 October 1905The October Manifesto was agreed upon, turning Russia into a constitutional monarchy. All laws had to go through the Duma before being passed.
    May 1906The Fundamental Laws were created.
    2 July 1914Russia entered the First World War.
    8 March 1917The February Revolution. Riots broke out in Petrograd and the Tsar ordered his troops to put them down. The government resigned and the Duma demanded the Tsar's abdication.
    15 March 1917Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne. He offered it to his brother Michael who turned it down. The Provisional Government was instated and headed by Prince Lvov. The Tsar and the Romanov family were sent into exile in Western Siberia.
    7 November 1917The October Revolution. Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power from the Provisional Government. The Russian Civil War broke out as the Whites fought as counter-revolutionaries.
    April 1918The Tsar and his family were moved into exile to in the Urals under the control of Lenin's Cheka.
    17 July 1918As White forces closed in on Yekaterinburg, the Cheka were ordered to assassinate Tsar Nicholas II and the Romanov family, due to fears that the White Army would reinstate them.

    Nicholas II Coronation

    Nicholas II's father, Alexander III, was a strong supporter of the absolute power of the monarchy. Nicholas vowed to keep this going when he assumed the throne in 1894. After his marriage to Alexandra later that year and a period of mourning, Nicholas was coronated in 1896.

    The Tsar was the ruler of feudal Russia. They ruled Russia for nearly 400 years through force and authority. This often led to discontent from peasants and the working classes.

    Nicholas's personality significantly contributed to his leadership style. His poor leadership skills ultimately led to the decline of the monarchy's control of Russia and the demise of the Romanov dynasty.

    Nicholas II of Russia

    Nicholas had professed that he had never wanted the position of Tsar, yet when his father died he was moved by a sense of duty to carry on his legacy. Nicholas surrounded himself with a group of incompetent delegates and he did not allow a prime minister to run the government. As Nicholas was unable to coordinate the government effectively, the departments often enacted contradictory policies.

    Nicholas II Photograph of Tsar Nicholas II coronation in 1896 StudySmarterFig. 1 Tsar Nicholas II was coronated in 1896 and was the last monarch in Russian history.

    Agriculture was kept in small, communal farms, limiting enterprising peasants who would otherwise expand their farms and generate a better economy. Industry was improving steadily, yet agriculture was bringing it down due to its lack of development.

    Nicholas' poor leadership skills meant the Russian economy was in disarray, which led to discontent from both the peasants and the industrial working class.

    Nicholas II of Russia Nationalism

    Tsar Nicholas II was generally a nationalist with his love for Russia, which, combined with his anti-semitism, meant that he supported Jewish persecution.

    Nicholas II An american cartoon asking the Tsar to discontinue the oppression of Russian Jews StudySmarterFig. 2 This cartoon was published in an American newspaper and shows a Russian Jew bearing the weight of 'Oppression' under the Tsar. It was published in 1904 after the Kishinev pogrom in 1903.

    Nicholas endorsed an anti-semitic group called the Black Hundred, which conducted pogroms on Jews in the early 20th century.

    A pogrom is an organised mass killing of an ethnic group. In Russia and Nazi Germany, pogroms generally targeted the Jewish population.

    Nicholas' continuation of his father's policies of Russification meant that Russian Orthodox missionaries attempted to convert the other religions in the Empire and impose sanctions on the minorities who resisted.

    Nicholas II of Russia Imperialism

    Nicholas wanted to expand the Russian Empire in the East after his travels to Japan, China and India in his youth. In 1890, Nicholas began the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway to enable travel to the Eastern territories of Russia, with the intent of invading and occupying Japan.

     Nicholas II Trans-Siberian Railway StudySmarterFig. 3 Photograph of the Imperial Russian army trying to transport military guns across the Trans-Siberian railway, but getting stuck in the snow, 1904.

    Nicholas attempted to occupy the Japanese-controlled area of Manchuria in 1904, which Japan fiercely resisted. This led to the Russo-Japanese war (1904-5) which Nicholas was confident Russia would win. To his absolute astonishment, Japan defeated Russia within a year. Russia, as the much larger power, was utterly humiliated.

    The war with Japan had made the Tsar unpopular with the working classes. A group of workers marched on the Winter Palace on 22 January 1905 to protest his poor leadership and make demands. The Tsar ordered the imperial troops to fire on the crowd, injuring and killing many, and the day was known as Bloody Sunday.

    Subsequently, riots broke out and strikes began, starting the 1905 Russian Revolution (also known as the First Russian Revolution). These strikes brought the Russian economy to a standstill, and the Tsar eventually agreed to establish the Duma.

    Duma

    A representative assembly that would give the Russian population a voice to advise the Tsar. Similar to a council or parliament.

    The parties of Octobrists and Kadets led the protests and became the key components of the Duma.

    Nicholas II and Alexandra

    On 26 November 1894, Nicholas married Alexandra, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria of Britain. The Tsar and Tsarina had 5 children, the first four being daughters before the birth of their son, Alexei.

    Alexei had haemophilia, where his blood did not properly clot, making him vulnerable to bleeding to death. Alexandra sought the help of spiritual healer Grigori Rasputin to cure him, and Rasputin started to have significant influence over both Alexandra and Nicholas. Supposedly Rasputin and Alexandra had a love affair, drawing heavy criticism. Alexandra denied these rumours.

    Did you know? The song 'Rasputin' by Boney M. reached the top of the charts in the 1970s. It became a big hit across Europe and even in the Soviet Union!

    When Russia engaged in the First World War in 1914, Nicholas headed the Imperial Army abroad whilst Alexandra assumed Empress duties at home. She dismissed those most capable of leadership of Russia and employed people that Rasputin favoured who were unsuitable, leading the country into decline.

    Nicholas II An anti-monarchy leaflet published in 1916 before Rasputin's death StudySmarterFig. 4 This image appeared on an anti-monarchy leaflet published in 1916 showing Rasputin and his hold over Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. Rasputin's influence over the royal family led many to question the future of Russia under the autocracy.

    Alexandra's questionable leadership of Russia whilst at war contributed to the discontent that fuelled the February Revolution in 1917.

    Nicholas II Abdication

    The events of 1917 spellt the end of Tsar Nicholas II's rule and the Romanov dynasty. In Petrograd on 8 March 1917, many women were on the streets in massive queues for supplies whilst others were celebrating International Women's Day. Other workers in the city began striking in protest of their poor treatment. This merging of different groups on the streets soon turned into a protest against the Tsar.

    Nicholas II Tsar Image StudySmarterFig. 5 Photograph of Tsar Nicholas II, 1898.

    Nicholas ordered the Imperial troops to fire on the protesters, but they refused. After several days of demonstrations, on 14 March the Duma formed a Provisional Government with Prince Lvov and Octobrists and Kadets from the First Russian Revolution at the helm.

    Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate on 15 March at the request of the Provisional Government, who had now assumed control of Russia. The Tsar was detained and put under house arrest.

    However, Vladimir Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, was unhappy with the new Provisional Government and planned the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917. It was successful and established Lenin as the head of a new Soviet Government with a communist political ideology.

    The Tsar was exiled and moved around the country during the Russian Civil War which followed the Bolshevik Revolution.

    Nicholas II Death

    As the Russian Civil War raged between 1918 and 1921, the Bolsheviks consolidated their power across Russia. Some of their rivalrous White forces were Tsarists, intent on reinstating the Tsar and his family as head of state. The Tsar and his family were detained in Yekaterinburg and held by the Bolshevik secret police, the Cheka.

    When White forces were approaching the house they were being kept in, Lenin issued the order for the Cheka to assassinate the family. Tsar Nicholas II, his immediate descendants and their consort were shot on 17 July 1918. This assassination marked the end of the Romanov family and quashed the hopes of the Tsarist anti-Bolshevik forces.

    Nicholas II - Key takeaways

    • Tsar Nicholas II was coronated in 1896.
    • Nicholas' character made him a particularly unpopular monarch. He refused to instate a prime minister of the Imperial government, which led to contradictory policies in agriculture and industry, creating discontent and stunting Russia's economic growth.
    • Nicholas' nationalism meant that he persecuted Jews and continued the brutal policies of Russification across the Empire. Combined with Nicholas' imperialism, he instigated the failed Russo-Japanese war in 1904, which proved unpopular after Russia's series of humiliating defeats. Bloody Sunday in 1905 started the First Russian Revolution and created the Constitutional monarchy under the Duma.
    • Tsarina Alexandra's controversial relationship with Rasputin meant she made poor decisions when ruling Russia whilst Nicholas fought in WWI in 1914.
    • In February 1917 Nicholas II was forced to abdicate the throne. After the October Revolution 1917, when Lenin and the Bolsheviks rose to power, Nicholas and his family were forced into exile. They were assassinated under Lenin's commands on 17 July 1918.
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nicholas II

    How is Tsar Nicholas related to Queen Victoria?  

    He was related to Queen Victoria distantly. He was the third cousin twice removed of Victoria, and was in a distant place in a line for the British throne, as a descendant of George II. Nicholas II was also married to Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Alexandria Feodorovna. 

    What is Tsar Nicholas II known for?  

    Nicholas II was known for his modernisation policies, resulting in the emergence of a working class and a stronger economy. He was also known for establishing Dumas, constitutional assemblies with legislative and administrative powers. The Dumas were, however, limited in their powers. 


    Under Nicholas II, revolutionary opposition groups gained their relevance. As a result, the country went through turbulent times: Bloody Sunday 1905, February Revolution 1917. Thus, he was the last Tsar of the Russian Empire.

    Are any Romanovs alive today?  

    There are no immediate descendants of the Romanov family. However, there are still living descendants of the Romanov family: Prince Philip was the grandnephew of Tsarina Alexandra. 

    Who is Tsar Nicholas II and why is he important?  

    Nicholas II was the son of Alexander III and the last Tsar of the Russian Empire. His policies led to the fall of the Russian Empire, rushing Russia into an era of Communism. 

    What did Tsar Nicholas II do?

    Nicholas II's personality meant he ruled Russia poorly. He relied heavily on his advisors but did not have a clear judgement like his father, meaning the government created contradictory policies in agriculture and industry. His strong sense of nationalism meant he supported anti-semitic groups and persecuted Jews in pogroms. His imperialism meant he instigated the Russo-Japanese war in 1904 despite advice against it, leading to a series of Russian defeats and unpopularity. He supported the creation of the Trans-Siberian railway, which began construction in 1890, because he wanted to expand Russia's influence across its territories.

    Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

    When did Tsar Nicholas II assume the Russian throne?

    When was the Russo-Japanese war?

    Which particular event sparked the First Russian Revolution in March 1905?

    Next

    Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

    Sign up for free
    1
    About StudySmarter

    StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

    Learn more
    StudySmarter Editorial Team

    Team History Teachers

    • 10 minutes reading time
    • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
    Save Explanation Save Explanation

    Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

    Sign-up for free

    Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

    The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

    • Flashcards & Quizzes
    • AI Study Assistant
    • Study Planner
    • Mock-Exams
    • Smart Note-Taking
    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
    Sign up with Email

    Get unlimited access with a free StudySmarter account.

    • Instant access to millions of learning materials.
    • Flashcards, notes, mock-exams, AI tools and more.
    • Everything you need to ace your exams.
    Second Popup Banner