Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna Romanov of Russia

History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday2 minutes read

Alexandra, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, became Zarina of Russia by marrying Tsar Nikolai II, but her guilt over passing hemophilia to her son led her to rely on mystic Rasputin, contributing to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Despite facing tragedies, public disapproval for her reliance on Rasputin, and accusations of being a spy due to her German origins, Alexandra fervently supported Russia, ultimately leading to the revolution, abdication of Nikolai, and the end of the monarchy.

Insights

  • Alexandra's guilt over passing hemophilia to her son led her to heavily rely on mystic Rasputin, contributing to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty.
  • Despite Queen Victoria's encouragement for a different match, Alexandra's love for Grand Duke Nikolai led to their marriage, despite objections, ultimately intertwining her fate with Russia's turbulent history.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was Alexandra, granddaughter of Queen Victoria?

    Zarina of Russia

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Alexandra: Zarina of Russia and Rasputin"

  • Alexandra, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, married Tsar Nikolai II, becoming Zarina of Russia.
  • Her guilt over passing hemophilia to her son led her to rely on mystic Rasputin, contributing to the Romanov dynasty's downfall.
  • Born on June 6, 1872, to Princess Alice and Louis IV, she was nicknamed "Sunny" for her happy demeanor.
  • Her mother, Princess Alice, was exceptionally loving and chose to breastfeed and educate her children herself.
  • Alexandra's family faced tragedies, including her brother's death from hemophilia and her mother's early demise.
  • Queen Victoria encouraged a romance between Alexandra and her cousin Albert Victor, but Alexandra declined.
  • Alexandra met Grand Duke Nikolai in Russia, and their love led to their eventual marriage.
  • Despite objections due to family relations and political insignificance, Alexandra and Nikolai married in 1894.
  • Alexandra gave birth to four daughters before finally having a son, Alexi, who was diagnosed with hemophilia.
  • Alexi's condition led Alexandra to rely heavily on mystic Rasputin, causing public disapproval and contributing to the Romanovs' downfall.

16:52

"Rasputin's warnings ignored, leading to revolution"

  • Willy, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, declared war on Russia, leading to World War I, shocking Nikolai and Alexandra.
  • Rasputin warned against war, predicting the end of the dynasty, but his advice was ignored as Nikolai mobilized the army.
  • Alexandra, a German by birth, supported Russia fervently, even as she faced suspicion and accusations of being a spy.
  • The war dragged on, with the Russian military facing challenges against the more modern and better-equipped German army.
  • Rasputin's influence on Alexandra and the royal family tarnished their reputation, leading to disastrous decisions and chaos.
  • The revolution began, forcing Nikolai to abdicate, leading to the end of the monarchy and the family's house arrest in the Winter Palace.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.