Two Revolutions in RussiaBy: Reid Clark

Revolutionary Rumblings After the Revolution of 1905, Nicholas had failed to solve

Russia’s basic problems. In 1914, the huge Russian empire stretched from Eastern

Europe to the Pacific. The elected Duma set up after the Revolution of 1905 had no

real power. Moderates wanted social change. Nicholas II, a weak man, blocked attempts to limit his

authority. The outbreak of war in 1914 (WWI) fired national pride and

united Russians. Armies dashed to battle with enthusiasm.

Continued… World War I quickly strained Russian resources. By 1915, soldiers had no rifles, no ammunition, and no

medical care. In 1915, Russian casualties had already reached two million. Nicholas II tried to take personal charge in a patriotic

gesture.

Death of the Mad Monk By 1916, a Siberian peasant named Rasputin, influence over

Alexandra reached new heights. He moved into the palace with many of his followers.

Rasputin was very corrupt and fond of worldly pleasures. Russia was in the hands of a shady character known to his

enemies as the “mad monk.” Members of the Duma, nobles, and the czar’s relatives saw

the danger. Five men hatched a plan to destroy Rasputin in order to save

monarchy.

Continued… On December 29, 1916, Prince Felix Yussoupov lured

Rasputin into his palace. Rasputin was fed cakes and wines that were poisoned. Later Yussoupov shot him.

Rasputin leaped up, after thought to be dead, fled but was shot again and clubbed to stillness.

They dropped him into the icy Neva River. Doctors later discovered that Rasputin died by drowning.

News of Rasputin’s death caused rejoicing in the capital