Nicholas II: A Detailed Biography

Nicholas II (1868–1918) was the last Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias (1894–1917). His reign saw the empire’s final expansion, catastrophic defeats in war, and collapse in revolution. Devoted family man but weak ruler, he was canonised by the Russian Orthodox Church as a passion-bearer in 2000. This biography covers his childhood, marriage to Alexandra, disastrous wars, 1917 revolutions, captivity, and execution, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Alexander Palace Time Machine, and the BBC History.

Early Life and Education

Birth at Tsarskoye Selo

Born Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov on May 18, 1868, at the Alexander Palace, Nicholas was the eldest son of Tsarevich Alexander (later Alexander III) and Danish princess Dagmar (Maria Feodorovna). He was a cousin of both George V of Britain and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

Coronation and Khodynka Tragedy

Crowned in May 1896 after Alexander III’s sudden death, celebrations at Khodynka Field turned to disaster when a crowd stampede killed over 1,300 people — an omen of his reign, as recorded by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Marriage to Alexandra and Rasputin

In 1894 Nicholas married Princess Alix of Hesse (Alexandra Feodorovna). Their only son Alexei suffered from haemophilia. The mystic Grigory Rasputin gained influence by apparently easing Alexei’s bleeding episodes, as detailed by the History.com.

Russo-Japanese War and 1905 Revolution

Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and Bloody Sunday (January 22, 1905) sparked the 1905 Revolution. Nicholas reluctantly granted the October Manifesto, creating the Duma — Russia’s first parliament.

World War I and Collapse

Taking personal command in 1915, Nicholas left Alexandra and Rasputin in charge — disastrous for morale. By 1917 food shortages, military defeats, and strikes led to the February Revolution.

Abdication and Captivity

On March 15, 1917 (March 2 Old Style), aboard the imperial train at Pskov, Nicholas abdicated for himself and Alexei. The Provisional Government imprisoned the family at Tsarskoye Selo, then Tobolsk, and finally Yekaterinburg.

Execution

On the night of July 16–17, 1918, Bolshevik commandant Yakov Yurovsky woke the family and shot them in the Ipatiev House basement. Nicholas died instantly; the girls took longer due to jewels sewn into clothing. Bodies were burned, dissolved in acid, and buried in a forest, as confirmed by the National Geographic.

Personal Life

Nicholas and Alexandra had five children: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei. He was devoted to his family, writing tender letters during captivity. A heavy smoker and hunter, he loved photography and kept detailed diaries.

Death and Legacy

Nicholas II’s Enduring Impact

The Romanovs were canonised by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 1981 and by the Moscow Patriarchate in 2000 as passion-bearers. The execution site is now the Church on the Blood in Yekaterinburg. Nicholas remains a controversial figure — tragic martyr to monarchists, symbol of autocratic failure to revolutionaries, as explored by the BBC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nicholas II

Why Is Nicholas II Famous?

Last Russian Tsar, abdicated 1917, executed with family by Bolsheviks 1918.

What Was the Flight to Varennes?

No — that was Louis XVI. Nicholas attempted no escape.

Where Was Nicholas II Born?

Tsarskoye Selo, Russia, May 18, 1868.

Who Was Rasputin to Nicholas II?

Mystic who influenced the family due to Alexei’s haemophilia.

What Was Bloody Sunday 1905?

Massacre of peaceful protesters — sparked 1905 Revolution.

Did Nicholas II Abdicate Willingly?

Under extreme pressure from generals and politicians.

How Did Nicholas II Die?

Shot with family by Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.