Nicholas II As Ruler Flashcards
Describe Nicholas II’s childhood
He was born in 1868 and received a military education. He was tutored by Pobedonostev who taught him conservative and autocratic values
What did the Russian people think about Nicholas’ wife?
Alexandra Feodorovna was not well received by the people, they thought she was rude, aloof and too tall. But the marriage was a happy one
Was Nicholas II well prepared for the role of Tsar?
No, he was inexperienced and indecisive when he ascended to the throne in 1894. His father, Alexander III had not involved him in state affairs prior to his ascension
How many children did Nicholas and Alexandra have?
Five children, four daughters and a son, who had haemophilia
Describe the construction of the Trans Siberian railway
Nicholas had been supervising its construction since 1889 under his father’s reign. The railway was finally completed by 1916
What did the Trans Siberian railway connect?
Moscow all the way to Vladivostok
Why did Nicholas II’s desire for imperial expansion into Asia cause conflict?
It caused conflict with Japan as they too wanted influence over Manchuria and Korea. The conflict began in 1904 when Russia reneged on its agreement with Japan to withdraw its troops from Manchuria so the Japanese navy made a surprise attack on Port Arthur
Why was the Russo Japanese war embarrassing for Russia?
Russia had a strong belief that Japan was inferior to them so they thought victory would be swift and easy as it was against a ‘lesser race’ but the Japanese managed to inflict crushing victories against the Russian Army on land eg the Battle of Mukden but also on sea eg the Battle of Tsushima
Why was the Russo Japanese war important for Nicholas?
It was central to Russia’s expansion into Asia and was an opportunity for him to prove himself and win a war, this would have increased his personal popularity
Was the war a success?
No it was a disaster. This increased opposition to the Tsarist regime and threatened Russia’s status as a ‘great power’ as it had failed to wage and win a war against an Asian nation
