Nicholas Romanov

Intro In 1894, Russia was a vast empire under the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II. The nation was marked by stark contrasts: a powerful aristocracy and an impoverished majority, with peasants and serfs dominating the countryside. Industrialization was beginning in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, creating a struggling working class. Social unrest was growing due to economic hardships and political repression, with revolutionaries pushing for change. The Russian Orthodox Church held significant influence over daily life and state policies. Russia faced internal challenges and external pressures, standing on the brink of profound transformation.