Character of Nicholas II- Unit 1

Question 1

What was the character of Nicholas II?

Answer 1

• Viewed by historians as weak-willed, poorly educated and lacking confidence.
• ‘Lacked that taste for power which is vital for an autocrat’.
• Obstinate, when taking control of Russian military in WWI.
• But could be kind, historian said ‘character may be said to be essentially feminine’.

Question 2

What was the attitude of Nicholas II?

Answer 2

• Faith in God, sense of duty.
• Religion and tsarism intrinsically linked.
• Fundamental laws–> ‘God himself commands obedience to his authority’.