Lior Prigan

The year 1894 marked the beginning of the end of the proud Romonov Dynasty in Russia spanning some three hundred years. Czar Alexander III died suddenly and with no warning from liver failure. His young, inexperienced son Nicholas was left to take control of the enormous Russian empire.

With its huge surface area, expansive landscapes and massive population, Russia would be hard enough to control with a parliament, and ministers in each area or province. Nicholas however believed that he could run the country alone. Herein lies his first grave mistake. Like his father, Nicholas II was an autocrat and believed wholly in his divine power and right to rule. It is noted that at the time of his coronation celebrations he made it clear that he would continue to rule Russia the way as had his "revered...