Background Information

The Romanov Dynasty (1613 to 1917) was the last dynasty to rule Russia. For over 300 years, the Romanov's ruled without any constraints on their power. During the Romanov reign Russia became and remained a major European power. In 1894, Nicholas II, the elder son of Emperor Alexander III became the new Tsar of Russia. The title "Tsar" is similar in meaning to "emperor" or "king." Nicholas was well educated and spoke several foreign languages. Still, it is said that he felt unprepared for the duties of the crown, and once asked his cousin: "What is going to happen to me and all of Russia?" His reign saw Imperial Russia go from one of the foremost great powers of the world to an economic and military disaster.

Nicholas was sometimes called Nicholas the Bloody due to the bloody anti-Semitic (anti Jewish) massacres he organized during the time of his reign. As the head of state, he approved the Russian mobilization of August 1914, which marked the first fatal step into World War I.

Tsar Nicolas II:

The Romanov Family - The Tsar with his wife, four daughters, and his son.

Map of Russia in 1917:

On your map, put a star next to St. Petersburg and a check mark next to Moscow.