Tsar Of Russia example essay topic
Nicholas was solely responsible for making the decisions for Russia, and he made many poor ones. He felt threatened by powerful individuals, such as many of his capable ministers, who would offer advice which may have benefited Russia. Instead of considering the advice given, he would dismiss them. He preferred ministers that were not opinionated and undemanding of his role as Tsar. Nicholas felt that his position of Tsar was a 'scared trust' and he was obligated to pass on his patrimony to his successor Alexei. His goal was to 'safeguard the principle of autocracy as firmly and steadfastly', no matter what the cost.
His determination to keep his position as Tsar unchallenged, with unlimited power over Russia, forced the people to find innovative ways to install a new system of government in Russia. Nicholas' rigid views on autocracy and his failure to reform are duly bound to his lack of intellect. He made many unwise decisions whilst ruler, crippling Russia's status even more. He was said to be somewhat of a simpleton, which is reflected in many decisions he made during his period as ruler. He relied purely on instinct, which told him to follow his father in all matters. With the changing times, his fathers ideologies were unpractical and outdated, to be the guidelines to rule a country.
There is a general consensus between historians that Nicholas did not have the intellect to be a Tsar. His arrogance and stubbornness prevented him form questioning his methods and asking for help in matters which could have improved the poor conditions in Russia. As a result of his governmental ideals, and his simpleton methods, Nicholas did not have the right personality to confidently lead Russia into the 20th Century. His personality is also seen as a factor which created the circumstances that led to a revolutionary situation in Russia. Nicholas II, displayed early traits of a "soft" Tsar.
When he eventually became Tsar, he was unprepared and neither emotionally or intellectually mature enough to be the leader of Russia. When making decisions which affected the overall well being of Russia, he acted cowardly and often backed down, leaving Russia in a no better position, and sometimes even worse off. Pipes is o the opinion that Nicholas' name having being associated with bad luck, greatly affected his self confidence and left him feeling resigned to his fate of being "unlucky". Nicholas' easily led nature meant he was often easily manipulated and the movie 'Nicholas and Alexandra' implies he was a martinet to his wife, who he often confided with, for he was too paranoid and suspicious of others, to ask their opinions, including his ministers.
The tsar of Russia was a cowardly, weak, un confident man whose incompetency led the largest Empire in the world, at the time, into the 20th Century. Nicholas, leader of Russia, unable to provide adequately for his people, through inefficient and hopeless government relations, left people desiring better conditions and greater equality among themselves. His lack of intellect barricaded him from seeing that by giving the people what they needed, a stable, democratic government, he would keep Russia strong. In addition to his poor efforts as Tsar, like the icing on the cake, Nicholas' personality was unfit to be that of a Tsar. It is through Nicholas, that a Revolutionary situation arose in Russia.