Rasputin's influence Flashcards
Topic sentence and context
However, Grigori Rasputin’s widely derided influence over the imperial family constituted an equally crucial factor in provoking the public outcry that ultimately dethroned the Romanovs. Tsarina Alexandra heavily relied upon Rasputin, believing in his supposed ability to alleviate Tsarevich Alexis’ haemophilia symptoms. However, Rasputin’s scandalous behavior, lack of qualifications, and reputation as a charlatan were deemed highly inappropriate for a figure of such political significance.
Verdansky (1972)
Verdansky (1972) observed that the Romanov family’s reliance on such a debauched figure “embittered all sections of the population against them” and “provided abundant nourishment for [the Romanov’s] enemies”. Verdansky explains that the Romanovs themselves became the target of public resentment, criticized as weak and morally compromised due to their association with such a disreputable individual. Such criticism was perhaps most scathing from the Clergy and Orthodox church, who viewed Rasputin’s licentious behaviour as tarnishing the sanctity of the monarchy.
Corin and Fiehn, 2021
In August 1915, as the Tsar departed for the frontline leaving Alexandra to rule, Rasputin’s sinister influence began to extend to political matters. Alexandra sought his advice on ministerial appointments, leading to 22 changes in Duma ministers between Sept 1915 and Feb 1917 – with 4 of them being Prime Ministers (Corin & Fiehn 2021). Boris Sturmer’s 1916 appointment as Prime Minister was particularly controversial, due to his poor leadership and status as a close personal friend of the Romanovs. This signalled to the public that crucial political positions were being filled based on personal relations rather than competency or experience, to the detriment of the Russian people. Overall, Rasputin’s involvement in the government eroded public confidence in the Tsar’s authority and legitimacy. His murder in December 1916 did little to restore that confidence; by then, the damage had already been done, and the country effectively on the path to revolution.
