Nicholas II and the 1905 Revolution

The early reign of Nicholas II (1894–1917) was marked by a profound contradiction: Russia was undergoing rapid economic and social change, yet its political system remained frozen in autocracy. The 1905 Revolution was the first great crisis of his reign, revealing the depth of popular discontent. The question of whether the concessions made after 1905 represented genuine political transformation — or merely tactical retreat — is central to understanding whether Russia was on the path to modernisation or revolution.

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Nicholas II: Character and Beliefs

Nicholas II became Tsar in 1894 at the age of 26, following the sudden death of his father Alexander III from kidney disease.