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The Romanov Dynasty: The Splendour & Misery Of The Last Tsarinas | Real Royalty

Real Royalty・2 minutes read

Princess Charlotte Von Poison, later known as Grand Duchess Alexandra Theodorovna, married Russian Grand Duke Nicholas in 1817, marking a successful union amidst political turmoil and societal expectations. The couple's life in Saint Petersburg was filled with opulence, but it was marred by the Decemberist Uprising and the eventual downfall of the Russian monarchy, symbolized by the school founded by Alexandra Fyodorovna to preserve traditional values and skills.

Insights

  • The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg was the primary residence of the Romanovs, showcasing the opulence of the Russian tsars and their connections to European aristocracy, particularly through marriages like that of Princess Charlotte Von Poison to Grand Duke Nicholas.
  • The Decemberist Uprising in Saint Petersburg in 1825 marked a turning point in Nicholas's reign, highlighting his commitment to autocracy and Orthodoxy, leading to a tragic legacy that influenced the downfall of the Russian monarchy, as seen through the role of Alexandra in the Russian Revolution and the preservation of Tsarist traditions in the school she founded.

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  • Who was Grand Duchess Alexandra Theodorovna?

    Princess Charlotte Von Poison

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Summary

00:00

"German Princess Marries Russian Grand Duke"

  • The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg was the chief residence of the Romanovs, the Russian dynasty of the tsars.
  • Princess Charlotte Von Poison, a German, married Russian Grand Duke Nicholas in 1817 after a journey from Berlin to Saint Petersburg.
  • Charlotte's journey took 17 days, with a significant stopover in Memel, a border town between Prussia and Russia.
  • Russian courts often sought German princesses as wives due to their Protestant faith and potential influence in Europe.
  • Charlotte's arrival in Saint Petersburg revealed a stark contrast between aristocratic splendor and widespread poverty.
  • Saint Petersburg in 1817 was a hub of culture and grandeur, with top European standards in ballet, theater, and engineering.
  • Charlotte's conversion to the Russian Orthodox Church marked a significant sacrifice as she became Grand Duchess Alexandra Theodorovna.
  • Alexandra's marriage to Nicholas was considered one of the most successful in Romanov history, characterized by mutual adoration and understanding.
  • Alexandra's carefree early married life with Nicholas was disrupted by political turmoil when Nicholas was unexpectedly chosen as the successor to Tsar Alexander.
  • Alexandra's social life in Saint Petersburg, including attending historical salon evenings, showcased her as a beloved figure in high society.

22:37

Nicholas I: The Decemberist Uprising and Legacy

  • Nicholas I was described as a towering figure, almost like Jupiter on Earth, being six foot three, incredibly handsome, and often considered the most beautiful man in Europe.
  • Eight years after his wedding, Tsar Alexander dies before being able to abdicate in favor of his brother Nicholas, leading to a power struggle.
  • The aristocracy and high-ranking officers pledge allegiance to Constantin instead of Nicholas, sparking revolutionary forces to attempt a coup in December 1825.
  • The Decemberist Uprising in Saint Petersburg in December 1825 was a pivotal moment, with Nicholas facing a revolt in the city center.
  • The Enlightenment and the French Revolution influenced the Decemberist Uprising, with educated aristocrats and officers questioning the existing social order in Russia.
  • Nicholas, known for his calm demeanor, eventually orders cannons to be brought to the square during the uprising, resulting in the deaths of 1,700 people.
  • Nicholas's response to the Decemberist Uprising solidified his belief in autocracy and Orthodoxy, reinforcing his conservative beliefs.
  • Nicholas and Alexandra retreat to Peterhof Palace to escape court intrigues, with the palace becoming a sanctuary for their family.
  • Alexandra introduces the German tradition of the Christmas tree to Russia and focuses on her family, despite enduring her husband's infidelities.
  • The Romanov family history is marked by adultery and betrayal, with Alexandra's daughter-in-law, Marie of Hesser, facing similar challenges in her marriage to Alexander II.

44:17

German Princess' Role in Russian Revolution

  • Alexandra, a German princess, played a significant role in the Russian Revolution due to her misunderstandings and arrogance, leading to the downfall of the Russian monarchy.
  • A school in Saint Petersburg, founded by Alexandra Fyodorovna, the last Tsarina of Russia, stands as a symbol of the Tsarist epoch, focusing on teaching traditional values and skills like weaving and needlework to young boys and girls.
  • The school's aim is to preserve Russian traditions and values, instilling a sense of awareness in children, reflecting the character and customs of the Tsarist era, while also highlighting the tragic fate of Alexandra and her family during the Russian Revolution.
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