View source for Nicholas II Thought

{{Mbox/UnderCon}}{{Infobox
|Name= {{i|Nicholas2}} Nikolai II Alexandrovich Romanov Thought {{i|Nicholas2}}
|NativeName= {{ILSize|RussianL-icon.png|Russian Language}}: Николай II Думал
|founded= 1894
|predicon= Tsarism
|onlypredecessor= Tsarism
|ended= 1917
|nexticon= Lenin
|onlysuccessor= Leninism
|image= Nicholas II Thought.png
|Caption= Family man
|Alias= {{I|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]] Nicholas II Thought<br>Nicholas the Second Thought<br>Little Nicky Thought<br>Nicholas the Short<br>Nicholas II of {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]]<br>{{Alias|AntiAuth-icon.png|Anti-Authoritarianism|Bloody Nicholas}}<br>{{Alias|Socialism-icon.png|Socialism|Evil {{i|Slavery}} [[Slavery|slave owner]]}}
|Alignments= {{Info/Con}}<br>{{Info/CultRight}}<br>{{Info/Mon}}<br>{{Info/Religious}}
|Origin= {{I|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire]]
|Influenced By= {{Scroll|{{i|AbMon}} [[Absolute Monarchism]] (before 1906)<br>{{i|AgCap}} [[Agrarian Capitalism]]<br>{{i|AntiCommie}} [[Anti-Communism]]<br>{{i|AntiDem}} [[Anti-Democracy]]<br>{{i|AntiProg}} [[Anti-Progressivism]]<br>{{i|AntiJew}} [[Anti-Semitism]] (debatably)<br>{{i|AuthCap}} [[Authoritarian Capitalism]]<br>{{i|AuthCon}} [[Authoritarian Conservatism]]<br>{{i|Necrocracy}} <s>[[Necrocracy|Canonization of the Romanovs]]</s><br>{{i|Imp}} [[Imperialism]]<br>{{i|Industrialism}} [[Industrialism]]<br>{{i|Kak}} [[Kakistocracy]] (accused)<br>{{I|Klep}} [[Kleptocracy]] (indirectly involved)<br>{{i|Militarism}} [[Militarism]]<br>{{i|MonCap}} [[Monarcho-Capitalism]]<br>{{I|NucFam}} [[Nuclear Family Model]]<br>{{i|OrthoTheo}} [[Orthodox Theocracy]]<br>{{i|Slav}} [[Pan-Slavism]]<br>{{i|PatCon}} [[Paternalistic Conservatism]]<br>{{i|Okhrana}} [[Okhrana|Police Statism]]<br>{{i|Reactionary}} [[Reactionaryism]]<br>{{i|ConMon}} [[Constitutional Monarchism|Semi-Constitutional Monarchism]] (since 1906)<br>{{i|Stolypin}} [[Stolypinism]]<br>{{i|Stratocracy}} [[Stratocracy]]<br>{{i|Byzantine Model}} [[Byzantine Model|Third Rome]]<br>{{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism]]|200px}}
|Influenced= {{i|NeoTsar}} [[Neo-Tsarism]]
|Gender= Male
|People= 
*{{i|Nicholas2}} [[Tsarism|Nicholas II of Russia]] (1868-1918)
*{{I|Russian Empire}} '''Sympathetic:''' {{Collapse|
**{{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alexandra Feodorovna]] (1872-1918)
**{{i|Stolypin}} [[Stolypinism|Pyotr Stolypin]] (1882-1911)
}}
|Examples= {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia under Nicholas II]] (1896-1917)
|Likes= {{Scroll|{{i|YHWH}} [[YHWHism|God]] {{i|Orthodoxy}}<br>{{i|Romanov}} [[House of Romanovs|His family]] {{i|NucFam}}<br>{{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|His wife]]<br>{{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]]<br>{{i|KOSerbia}} [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]]<br>{{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark]]<br>{{i|UKGBI}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|England]]<br>{{i|Siberia}} [[Siberia|Trans-Siberian Railway]]<br>{{i|Mysticism}} [[Mysticism]]<br>{{i|Rasputin}} [[Rasputinism|Rasputin]] (sorta)<br>tsarnicholas.org|200px}}
|Dislikes= {{Scroll|{{i|AntiMon}} [[Anti-Monarchism|Revolts]]<br>{{i|Socialism}} [[Socialism|Leftists]] {{i|Commie}}<br>{{i|Lib}} [[Liberalism|Liberals]]<br>{{i|EmpireJapan}} [[Empire of Japan]]<br>{{i|German Empire}} [[German Empire]]<br>{{i|AH}} [[Austria-Hungary]]<br>{{i|Politics}} [[Politics]]<br>{{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Being Tsar]] (debatably)}}
|Preceded= {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought]]
|Succeeded= {{i|NeoTsar}} [[Neo-Tsarism]]
|Food=
*🥔 Baked potatoes
*🐓 Plain roast chicken
|Song= {{I|Nicholas2}} [[#Our Tsar|Our Tsar – Russian Song About Nicholas II]] {{I|Tsar}}
|Person= {{i|Nicholas2}} Nikolai II Alexandrovich Romanov (Николай Александрович Романов)
|Born= 18 May 1868, {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Imperial Russia]]
|Death= 17 July 1918, {{i|Bolsheviks}} [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Bolshevik Russia]]
|Job= {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar of Russia]] (1894-1917)
|Family= '''Parents:'''
*{{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Maria Feodorovna]] (mother)
*{{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|Alexander Alexandrovich]] (father)
'''Spouses:'''
*{{I|Sexocracy}} [[Sexocracy|Mathilde Kschessinska]] (1890-1894)
*{{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} '''[[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alexandra Feodorovna]]''' ({{Abbr|Married|m.}} 1894)
'''Children:'''
*{{i|Medicine}} [[Medicine|Olga Nikolaevna]]
*{{i|Aristocracy}} [[Aristocracy|Tatiana Nikolaevna]]
*{{i|Altruism}} [[Altruism|Maria Nikolaevna]]
*{{i|Necrocracy}} [[Necrocracy|Anastasia Nikolaevna]]
*{{i|Male}} [[Male|Alexei Nikolaevich]]
|themecolor= #969696
}}{{Quote|What is going to happen to me and all of {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]]? I am not prepared to be a {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]]. I never wanted to become one. I know nothing of the business of ruling.|{{i|Nicholas2}} [[Tsarism|Nicholas II of Russia]]}}'''Nicholas II Thought''' represents the beliefs and tendencies of '''Tsar Nicholas II''', the last reigning {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Emperor]] of {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]], King of {{i|Congress Poland}} [[Congress Poland]], and Grand Duke of {{i|Grand Duchy of Finland}} [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Finland]] from 1 November 1894 until his abdication on 15 March 1917. His reign of over 22 years marked the final chapter of the {{i|Romanov}} [[House of Romanov]], who had ruled Russia for more than three centuries. A personal tendency of {{i|AuthCon}} [[Authoritarian Conservatism]], Nicholas II Thought is {{i|AuthRight}} [[Authoritarian Right]] and {{i|Tradition}} [[Traditionalism|Culturally Right]].

Tsar Nicholas II is considered the {{I|Kak}} [[Kakistocracy|weakest]] Tsar by many. He was not a {{I|Immoralism}} [[Immoralism|bad person]], he genuinely cared for his people, had good intentions, and worked very hard. However, to put it simply, he was a poor {{I|Politics}} [[Politics|politician]]. He did not like being the Tsar, although he accepted it as his duty by {{I|YHWH}} [[YHWHism|God]], whom he believed in the most. What the Tsar cared about most was his {{I|NucFam}} [[Nuclear Family Model|family]], and he had a hard time finding disinterested, trustworthy and competent administrators. It was precisely the treachery of untrustworthy and incompetent careerists that brought about his abdication.

Vilified by {{i|USSR}} [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics|Soviet]] {{i|Pseudohistory}} [[Pseudohistoricism|historians]] as a symbol of {{i|Auth}} [[Authoritarianism|repression]] and {{i|Kak}} [[Kakistocracy|incompetence]], Nicholas has been reassessed more sympathetically in {{i|Russia1991}} [[Post-Soviet Russian Federation|post-Soviet]] [[Russia]] {{i|Russia}}. He and his family were canonized as passion bearers by the {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Russian Orthodox Church]] in 2000, following the discovery and reburial of their remains in 1998.

==History & Life==
===Early Life===
====Birth & Family Background====
Nikolai Alexandrovich Romanov (Николай Александрович Романов) was born on 18 May [O.S. 6 May] 1868 in {{i|Russia}} [[Tsarskoye Selo]], near {{i|Saint Petersburg}} [[Saint Petersburg]], {{I|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]]. Nikolai was the eldest son of {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|Alexander Alexandrovich]] (later Emperor Alexander III) and his wife {{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Maria Feodorovna]] (née Princess Dagmar of {{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark]]). Nikolai's father was next in line to the throne because he was the eldest surviving son of Emperor {{i|Alexander2}} [[Alexander the Liberator Thought|Alexander II]] and Empress {{i|Asceticism}} [[Asceticism|Maria Alexandrovna]]. Nikolai's mother was the daughter of King {{i|Lutheran}} [[Lutheranism|Christian IX]] and Queen {{i|Natalism}} [[Natalism|Louise of Hesse-Kassel]].

Nikolai was {{I|Christi}} [[Christianity|christened]] in the Chapel of the Resurrection of the {{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Catherine Palace]] at Tsarskoye Selo on 1 June [O.S. 20 May] by the confessor of the imperial family, protopresbyter {{I|Orthodoxy}} [[Orthodoxy|Vasily Borisovich Bazhanov]]. His godparents were Emperor {{i|Alexander2}} [[Alexander the Liberator Thought|Alexander II]] (his paternal grandfather), {{i|Natalism}} [[Natalism|Louise of Hesse-Kassel]] (his maternal grandmother), Crown Prince {{i|Parliament}} [[Parliamentarianism|Frederik of Denmark]] (his maternal uncle), and Grand Duchess {{i|Intellectualism}} [[Intellectualism|Elena Pavlovna]] (his great-great-aunt). The boy received the traditional {{I|Romanov}} [[House of Romanov|Romanov]] name Nicholas and was named in memory of his father's older brother and mother's first fiancé, Tsesarevich {{i|Noocracy}} [[Noocracy|Nicholas Alexandrovich]], who had died young in 1865.

Nicholas was of primarily {{i|PanGerman}} [[Germans|German]] and {{i|Denmark}} [[Danes|Danish]] descent and was related to several {{i|Mon}} [[Monarchism|monarchs]] in {{i|Europe}} [[Europe]], famously being part of the "Three Cousins" of WWI alongside {{i|Radicalism}} [[Radicalism|George V]] of {{i|UKGBI}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Britain]] and Kaiser {{I|Wilhelminism}} [[Wilhelminism|Wilhelm II]] of {{i|German Empire}} [[German Empire|Germany]]. Tsar Nicholas II was the first cousin once-removed of Grand Duke {{i|Militarism}} [[Militarism|Nicholas Nikolaevich]]. To distinguish between them, the Grand Duke was often known within the imperial family as "Nikolasha" and "Nicholas the Tall", while the Tsar was "Nicholas the Short". Informally, Nicholas II was known as "Nicky" throughout his life.

====Childhood====
Nicholas II had five younger siblings: {{i|Male}} [[Male|Alexander]] (1869-1870), {{i|Noocracy}} [[Noocracy|George]] (1871-1899), {{i|Female}} [[Female|Xenia]] (1875-1960), {{i|Militarism}} [[Militarism|Michael]] (1878-1918) and {{i|Medicine}} [[Medicine|Olga]] (1882-1960). In his youth, Nicholas was not favored by his father {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|Alexander III]] due to his weak health. However, as a member of the royal family, he still received a strict education and was fluent in {{i|GermanL}} [[German Language|German]], {{i|FrenchL}} [[French Language|French]], and {{i|EnglishL}} [[English Language|English]]. Nicholas, with his shy personality, was very intimidated of his imposing and strict father, who viewed his son as {{i|Kak}} [[Kakistocracy|weak and childish]], sometimes calling him a "{{i|Female}} [[Female|girl]]". However, he very close to his mother {{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Maria Feodorovna]], as revealed in their published letters to each other. In his childhood, Nicholas, his parents and siblings made annual visits to the {{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark|Danish]] royal palaces of Fredensborg and Bernstorff to visit his grandparents, the king and queen. The visits also served as family reunions, as his mother's siblings would also come from the {{i|UKGBI}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]], {{i|German Empire}} [[German Empire|Germany]] and {{i|Kingdom of Greece}} [[Kingdom of Greece|Greece]] with their respective families.

In 1873, Nicholas accompanied his parents and younger brother, two-year-old George, on a two-month, semi-official visit to the United Kingdom. In {{i|London}} [[London]], Nicholas and his family stayed at Marlborough House, as guests of his "{{i|Imp}} [[Imperialism|Uncle Bertie]]" (Edward VII) and "{{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Aunt Alix]]" (Alexandra of Denmark), the Prince and Princess of {{i|Wales}} [[Wales]], where he was spoiled by his uncle.

In February 1880 a group of {{i|RusNih}} [[Russian Nihilism|nihilist]] activists exploded a bomb in the dining room of the Winter Palace. The bomb destroyed almost the entire room. No one was hurt. Nicholas, along with his family, moved to the Yelagin Palace on {{i|Russia}} [[Yelagin Island]].

===Tsesarevich===
After the assassination of his grandfather {{i|Alexander2}} [[Alexander the Liberator Thought|Alexander II]] at {{I|Saint Petersburg}} [[Saint Petersburg]] in 1881, Nikolai became the heir apparent (tsesarevich) as {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|his father]] ascended the {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|throne]]. Nicholas and {{i|Romanov}} [[House of Romanov|other family members]] were at the Winter Palace at the time of Alexander II's assassination; a bomb had injured him gravely and he was rushed in the palace. The Romanovs went to his study, where the dying emperor had been laid on a sofa. Alexander III and young Nicholas stood beside him as he slowly died. Nicholas later wrote about seeing his grandfather covered in blood, an image that stayed with him for life. At age 12, he learned that the ruler is always in danger, and made him fear revolution and distrust {{i|Reformism}} [[Reformism|reform]]. Both Alexander III and Nicholas II vowed to crush any {{i|Lib}} [[Liberalism|liberal]] tendencies to prevent this from happening again. Nicholas also started to keep a diary, something he continued until his death.

Nicholas, colloquially called ''Nicky'' by his family, spent much of his vacations with them in his mother's home country {{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark]] and on cruises along the coasts of the {{i|Grand Duchy of Finland}} [[Grand Duchy of Finland]], especially on Alexander III's fishing lodge in the Langinkoski rapid, on the river {{i|River}} [[Kymijoki River|Kymi]] in {{i|Kotka}} [[Kotka]]. In summertime the family lived at the Alexander Palace, at the {{i|Crimea}} [[Livadiia|Livadia]] Palace in {{i|Crimea}} [[Crimea]] or sometimes hunted {{i|Primalism}} [[Primalism|deer]] in {{i|Lowicz County}} [[Łowicz County]], {{I|Congress Poland}} [[Congress Poland|Poland]].

During the annual visits to {{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark]] in 1883, Nicholas had a flirtation with one of his {{i|UK}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] first cousins, Princess {{i|Optimism}} [[Optimism|Victoria]] of the United Kingdom. Nicholas admired her seriousness and toughness.

Nicholas and his siblings were raised in a {{I|Sparta}} [[Sparta|Spartan]] way, in an {{I|England}} [[England|English]] fashion. They slept in tent bends, rose at 6 and took cold baths, sometimes they were given a warm bath in their mother's bathroom. Breakfast consisted of porridge and black bread, lunch of lamb chops or roast beef with peas and roasted potatoes, and tea of bread, butter and jam. Nicholas and younger brother {{I|Noocracy}} [[Noocracy|George]] had their own salon, dining room, play room and bedroom, which were simply decorated. The only prominent item was an icon surrounded by pearls and jewels. Because of the happy marriage of Nicholas's parents, he was raised surrounded by {{I|Altruism}} [[Altruism|love]] and safety, which was missing in many other {{I|Mon2}} [[Monarchism|royal families]].

Nicholas and George shared the same teachers, but studied in adjacent rooms. They followed the course of the academy of the general staff, and their teachers were valued professors. Their {{I|EnglishL}} [[English Language|English]] teacher {{I|EnglishL}} [[English Language|Charles Heath]] was Nicholas's favourite teacher. Both brothers spoke and wrote perfect English. Heath inspired them in sport, especially shooting and fly fishing. They spoke fluent {{I|FrenchL}} [[French Language|French]] as well as passable {{I|GermanL}} [[German Language|German]] and {{I|DanishL}} [[Danish Language|Danish]]. {{I|AuthCon}} [[Authoritarian Conservatism|Konstantin Pobedonostsev]] was Nicholas' teacher of {{I|Law}} [[law]] and {{I|History}} [[history]]. His home teacher general {{I|Militarism}} [[Militarism|Grigory Danilovich]] did not ask for much from the tsesarevich, as "the sacrament of coronation will give the ruler all the information he needs."

Nicholas's {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|large father]], who could not tolerate weakness, was discouraging to Nicholas. Once when Nicholas made a mistake and let a playmate take the blame, Alexander shouted at him: "You are a {{I|Female}} [[Female|girl]]!" Alexander was aware his son was too childish to take on responsibility, which he said clearly to minister of finance {{I|Moderatism}} [[Moderatism|Sergei Witte]]. Nicholas learnt to obey his father, who told him to participate in committees. Nicholas found {{I|Politics}} [[Politics|political]] tasks uninteresting and instead {{I|Hedonism}} [[Hedonism|partied]] with other young officers from the {{I|Russian Empire}} [[Preobrazhensky Life Guards Regiment|Preobrazhensky]] and hussar guards from the {{I|Romanov}} [[House of Romanov|Romanov family]], in restaurants and in the company of young women on the islands in front of {{I|Saint Petersburg}} [[Saint Petersburg|St Petersburg]]. He was especially influenced by his uncle, Grand Duke {{I|Tsarism}} [[Tsarism|Sergei Alexandrovich Romanov]].

In 1884, Nikolai was commissioned as a cornet in the {{i|Chevalier Guard Regiment}} [[Chevalier Guard Regiment]], formerly beginning his {{I|Militarism}} [[Militarism|military]] education. Neither Nikolai's education nor personality did equip him for the difficult job of governing a huge empire {{I|Autocracy}} [[Autocracy|alone]]. His preferences and hobbies closely matched those of a typical young Russian officer of his era. He showed little interest in {{I|Intellectualism}} [[Intellectualism|intellectual]] pursuits, instead enjoying physical activity and the outward symbols of military life: uniforms, insignia, parades. In formal settings, he often felt uncomfortable. Although personally charming, he was naturally shy and avoided close interaction with the public, choosing the quiet of family life over public engagement. According to his diary he played childish games well past the age of 20.

Nicholas underwent military training under general Grigory Danilovich and was inspired by him and senior procurator Konstantin Pobedonostsev in a {{I|Slav}} [[Pan-Slavism|Pan-Slavist]] and even {{I|Mysticism}} [[Mysticism|mystical]] religious way. Pobedonostsev's teachings caused Nicholas to think that as {{I|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|emperor]] by the grace of {{I|YHWH}} [[YHWHism|God]] he had a sacred duty to upkeep the {{I|Autocracy}} [[autocracy]] and the {{I|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] religion.

In 1884, Nicholas' coming-of-age ceremony was held at the Winter Palace, where he pledged loyalty to his father. Later that year, Nicholas' uncle Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich was getting married. At the wedding in St. Petersburg, the sixteen-year-old Tsarevich met with and admired the bride's youngest surviving sister, twelve-year-old Princess {{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alix]]. Those feelings of admiration blossomed into love following her visit to St. Petersburg in 1889. Alix had feelings for him in turn. As a devout {{I|Lutheran}} [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]], she was reluctant to convert to Eastern Orthodoxy to marry Nicholas but relented. In 1890, Nicholas started an affair with St. Petersburg ballerina {{I|Sexocracy}} [[Sexocracy|Mathilde Kschessinska]] when she was 17. It would last about four years, just before his marriage with Alix.

Nicholas was the first Russian sovereign to show personal interest in {{i|Asia}} [[Asia]]. From 1890 to 1891, he undertook a grand tour of Asia on the cruiser Pamiat Azova, visiting countries like {{i|Khedivate of Egypt}} [[Khedivate of Egypt|Egypt]], {{i|British Raj}} [[British Raj|India]], {{i|Rattanakosin}} [[Rattanakosin Kingdom|Siam]], {{I|ColonySingapore}} [[Singapore in the Straits Settlements|Singapore]], receiving honors as a distinguished guest in each country. During his trip through {{i|EmpireJapan}} [[Empire of Japan|Japan]], Nicholas had a large dragon tattooed on his right forearm by tattoo artist {{I|Japan}} [[Japanese|Hori Chiyo]]. It was during his visit to {{i|Otsu}} [[Ōtsu]] on 11 May 1891 that {{i|Russophobia}} [[Russophobia|Tsuda Sanzō]] (one of his escorting policemen) swung at the Tsarevich's face with a sabre attempting to kill him, thinking he was a Russian spy. Nicholas was left with a 9 centimeter long scar on the right of his forehead, but it was not life-threatening. The attacker was captured and sentenced to life in prison. Nicholas was rushed back to {{i|Kyoto}} [[Kyoto]], where Prince {{i|Imp}} [[Imperialism|Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa]] ordered that he be taken into the Kyoto Imperial Palace to rest, and messages were sent to {{i|Tokyo}} [[Tokyo]]. Fearful that the incident would be used by {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]] as a pretext for {{i|War}} [[war]], and knowing that Japan's military was no match for Russia at the time, Prime Minister {{i|Financialism}} [[Financialism|Matsukata Masayoshi]] advised {{i|Meiji}} [[Meijism|Emperor Meiji]] to go immediately to visit Nicholas. Meiji traveled through the night to reach Kyoto the following morning. The following day, when Nicholas wanted to return to the Russian boats at {{i|Kobe}} [[Kobe]], Meiji ordered Prince Kitashirakawa and Prince {{i|Thalassocracy}} [[Thalassocracy|Arisugawa Takehito]] to accompany him.

Returning overland to {{i|Saint Petersburg}} [[Saint Petersburg|St. Petersburg]], Nicholas was present at the ceremonies in {{i|Vladivostok}} [[Vladivostok]] commemorating the beginning of work on the {{i|Siberia}} [[Siberia|Trans-Siberian Railway]]. In 1893, Nicholas traveled to {{I|London}} [[London]] on behalf of his parents for the wedding of his cousin the {{I|Radicalism}} [[Radicalism|Duke of York]] (George V) to Princess {{I|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Mary of Teck]]. {{I|QueenVictoria}} [[Victorianism|Queen Victoria]] was struck by the physical resemblance between the two cousins, and their appearances confused some at the wedding.

After returning to St. Petersburg, Nicholas continued his relationship with Kschessinska in spite of his father's disapproval. However, the love of Nicholas' life proved not to be Mathilde but instead the young {{i|Grand Duchy of Hesse}} [[Grand Duchy of Hesse|German]] Princess {{i|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alix of Hessen-Darmstadt]]. The marriage was supported by Nicholas' uncle Sergei and his wife {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Elisabeth Feodorovna]], who was also Alix's older sister. In 1894 Nicholas told Kschessinska of his love for Alix and that he wished Alix would marry him. So, the relationship between tsesarevich and ballerina ended.

Though Nicholas was heir-apparent to the throne, his father failed to prepare him for his role as {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]]. He attended meetings of the State Council; however, as his father was only in his forties, it was expected it would be years before Nicholas succeeded. {{i|Moderatism}} [[Moderatism|Sergei Witte]], the finance minister, saw things differently and suggested to the Tsar that Nicholas be appointed to the {{i|Siberia}} [[Siberia|Siberian Railway Committee]]. Alexander argued that Nicholas was not mature enough to take on serious responsibilities, having once stated "Nikki is a good boy, but he has a poet's soul…God help him!" Witte stated that if Nicholas was not introduced to state affairs, he would never be ready to understand them. Alexander's assumption he would {{i|Gerontocracy}} [[Gerontocracy|live long]] and have years to prepare Nicholas proved wrong: by 1894, Alexander's health was failing.

===Engagement, Marriage & Family===
In April 1894, Nicholas travelled to {{i|Coburg}} [[Coburg]], {{i|German Empire}} [[German Empire|Germany]], for the wedding of {{i|Mon}} [[Monarchism|Grand Duke Ernest Louis of Hesse]] (brother to both {{i|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alix]] and {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Elizabeth]]) to {{i|Incest}} [[Incest|Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha]]. Guests included {{i|QueenVictoria}} [[Victorianism|Queen Victoria]] and {{i|Wilhelminism}} [[Wilhelminism|Kaiser Wilhelm II]]. While in Coburg, Nicholas proposed to Alix, who initially refused due to her reluctance to convert to {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodoxy]]. Persuaded by the Kaiser, she reconsidered, and the couple became officially engaged on 20 April. Nicholas's parents hesitated to approve the match, citing Alix's poor impressions in {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]], but consented as {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|Tsar Alexander III]]'s health declined.

That summer, Nicholas visited {{i|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alix]] and {{i|QueenVictoria}} [[Victorianism|Queen Victoria]] in {{i|UKGBI}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|England]], coinciding with the birth of Nicholas's cousin {{i|Radicalism}} [[Radicalism|Duke of York]] (George V) and {{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Duchess of York]] (Mary of Teck)'s first child (later known as {{i|MonFas}} [[Monarcho-Fascism|Edward VIII]]). Nicholas and Alix attended the {{i|Christi}} [[Christianity|christening]] and were named among the child's godparents. Nicholas later returned to Russia for his sister {{i|Female}} [[Female|Xenia]]'s wedding.

By autumn, Alexander III was dying. Upon learning he had only weeks to live, he summoned Alix to {{i|Crimea}} [[Livadiia|Livadia Palace]]. She arrived on 22 October, and the Tsar, in full uniform, urged Nicholas to heed the advice of {{i|Moderatism}} [[Moderatism|Sergei Witte]]. Alexander died ten days later, aged 49, and Nicholas was consecrated that evening as Tsar Nicholas II. The following day, Alix was received into the {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Russian Orthodox Church]], taking the name Alexandra Feodorovna and the title of Grand Duchess and style of ''Imperial Highness''. Their wedding took place at the Winter Palace on 26 November 1894, less than a month after Alexander's funeral. Due to the mourning period, the ceremony was modest. Observers reportedly remarked of the new empress: "She came to us from behind the coffin…"

Nicholas and Alexandra had five children, four of them daughters: {{i|Medicine}} [[Medicine|Olga]] (b. 15 November 1895), {{i|Aristocracy}} [[Aristocracy|Tatiana]] (b. 10 June 1897), {{i|Altruism}} [[Altruism|Maria]] (b. 26 June 1899), and {{i|Necrocracy}} [[Necrocracy|Anastasia]] (b. 18 June 1901), together known as the OTMA sisters. Nicholas's only son and designated heir was {{i|Male}} [[Male|Alexei Nikolaevich]] (b. 12 August 1904), heir to the throne. Alexei suffered from haemophilia B, an illness that impairs the ability in one's body to stop bleeding, passed down from Queen Victoria.

===Reign as Tsar===
Although Nicholas visited the {{i|UK}} [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]] in 1893 and watched debates in the {{i|HouseCommonUK}} [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] seeming impressed by how a {{i|ConMon}} [[Constitutional Monarchism|constitutional monarchy]] worked, he refused to give any power to elected representatives in {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]].

With the death of {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|Alexander III]] on 1 November 1894, Nicholas II became the {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]], beginning his reign. Soon after he came to the throne, a group of peasants and workers from local assemblies (''zemstvos'') came to the Winter Palace. In what became known as the Tver Address, they asked for court reforms, including the creation of a constitutional monarchy and changes to improve the {{i|Politics}} [[Politics|political]] and {{i|Economy}} [[Economy|economic]] conditions of the peasantry. Although the addresses they had sent in beforehand were couched in mild and loyal terms, Nicholas was {{i|Aggression}} [[Aggressionism|angry]] and ignored advice from an Imperial Family Council by saying to them:

{{Quote|… it has come to my knowledge that during the last months there have been heard in some assemblies of the zemstvos the voices of those who have indulged in a senseless dream that the zemstvos be called upon to {{i|Dem}} [[Democracy|participate]] in the government of the country. I want everyone to know that I will devote all my strength to maintain, for the good of the whole nation, the principle of absolute {{i|Autocracy}} [[autocracy]], as firmly and as strongly as did my late lamented {{i|Alexander3}} [[Alexander III Thought|father]].|{{i|Nicholas2}} [[Tsarism|Nicholas II]]}}

====Coronation====
On 26 May 1896, Nicholas's formal coronation as {{i|Tsar}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]] was held in Uspensky Cathedral located within the Kremlin. The event was of gigantic proportions, and people from all over {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]] arrived to witness the coronation of the new emperor. At the coronation, lieutenant {{I|Mannerheimism}} [[Mannerheimism|Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim]], a future president of {{i|Finland}} [[Finland]], was one of the four officers escorting the new emperor. Brown trout from {{I|Grand Duchy of Finland}} [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Finland]] was served for the guests at the coronation. Nicholas II announced already at the start of his reign that he would use the Russian title of Tsar instead of the western title of Emperor.

In a celebration on 30 May 1896, a large festival with food, {{i|Alcohol}} [[Alcoholism|free beer]] and souvenir cups was held in Khodynka Field outside {{i|Moscow}} [[Moscow]]. Khodynka Field, primarily used as a {{i|Militarism}} [[Militarism|military]] training ground with its uneven trenches, was chosen as the location as it was the only place near Moscow large enough to hold all of the Moscow citizens. Before the food and drink was handed out, rumours spread that there would not be enough for everyone. As a result, the crowd rushed to get their share and individuals were tripped and trampled upon, suffocating in the dirt of the field. Of the approximate 100,000 in attendance, it is estimated that 1,389 individuals died and roughly 1,300 were injured. The Khodynka Tragedy was seen as an ill omen and Nicholas found gaining popular trust difficult from the beginning of his reign. The {{i|French3}} [[French Third Republic|French]] ambassador's gala was planned for that night. However, the Tsar wanted to stay in his chambers and pray for the lives lost. But his uncles believed that his absence at the ball would strain relations with France, particularly the 1894 Franco-Russian Alliance. Thus Nicholas attended the party; as a result the mourning populace saw Nicholas as frivolous and uncaring.

In the autumn after the coronation, Nicholas and {{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|Alexandra]] toured {{i|Europe}} [[Europe]]. The couple visited the emperor and empress of {{i|AH}} [[Austria-Hungary]], {{i|German Empire}} [[German Empire|Germany]]'s Kaiser, and Nicholas's {{i|Denmark}} [[Denmark|Danish]] grandparents and other relatives. They then took ownership of their new yacht, ''Standart'', which had been built in Denmark. From there, they traveled to {{i|Scotland}} [[Scotland]] to stay with {{i|Victoria}} [[Victorianism|Queen Victoria]] at Balmoral Castle. Alexandra enjoyed seeing her grandmother again, but Nicholas wrote to his mother complaining that he had to go shooting with his uncle, the {{i|Imp}} [[Imperialism|Prince of Wales]] (Edward VII), in bad weather, while also dealing with a bad toothache.

====Start of Reign====
When Nicholas II ascended to the throne he had very little experience of governing and he trusted the experience and diplomatic abilities of his mother, the widowed empress {{i|MatMon}} [[Matriarchal Monarchism|Maria Feodorovna]], for the first 10 years. Nicholas's {{I|Alexandra Feodorovna}} [[Alexandra Feodorovna Thought|wife]] was also strong-willed, which is thought to have resulted from the fact that Nicholas sought to compensate his own lack of a {{i|Auth}} [[Authoritarianism|strong will]] by governing {{i|Autocracy}} [[Autocracy|autocratically]]. Nicholas was also wary of his own ministers, but was himself unable to govern properly. Nicholas spent the first 10 years of his reign listening to his uncles. Nicholas and the imperial family often spent their summers on the archipelago and coast of {{I|Grand Duchy of Finland}} [[Grand Duchy of Finland|Finland]], sailing in their imperial yacht ''Standart''.

In 1899, Nicholas II initiated the First {{i|The Hague}} [[The Hague|Hague]] {{i|Pacifism}} [[Pacifism|Peace]] Conference, addressing growing concerns over the arms race and to foster {{i|Internationalism}} [[Internationalism|international]] peace. While most of {{i|Europe}} [[Europe]]'s leaders at the time were thinking "more weapons the better", Nicholas called out the arms race itself as dangerous. It was the first major diplomatic conference aimed at preventing {{i|War}} [[war]] rather than resolving one.

More WIP

====Under Rework (W.I.P)====
The imperial couple concealed Alexei's condition until 1912, seeking any possible cure. In 1911, {{i|Rasputin}} [[Rasputinism|Grigori Rasputin]], a {{i|Siberia}} [[Siberia|Siberian]] peasant {{i|Mysticism}} [[Mysticism|mystic]], entered their inner circle. Alexandra believed deeply in his healing abilities, and his influence, despite public perception of him as {{i|Sexocracy}} [[Sexocracy|lecherous]] and {{i|Primalism}} [[Primalism|uncivilized]], intensified distrust of the {{i|Mon}} [[Monarchism|monarchy]]. Rasputin's calming effect on Alexei, achieved partly through hypnosis and partly by avoiding aspirin, reinforced Alexandra's faith in him. Under her influence, Nicholas increasingly turned to spiritual advisers, especially Rasputin, who eventually gained sway over the imperial couple.

Nicholas II became {{i|Tsarism}} [[Tsarism|Tsar]] 1896, where he implemented his policies. During the reign of Nicholas II, the Empire began to produce aeroplanes and cars. During the First World War, 6,300 aircraft were built in "backward" Russia. At the same time, the production of submarines and other high-tech products was developing. The production of cement increased 15 fold, which was necessary for the rapidly gaining momentum in the construction industry. Such an increase was a result of the changes to urban construction and development. For the first time, the construction of seven- and eight-story apartment buildings was underway in Russia. Many of these buildings have survived to this day in {{i|Moscow}} [[Moscow]], where they are often mistaken for {{i|Stalin}} [[Stalinism|Stalinist]] ones, but in reality they were built during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II. Agriculture was also increasing. In terms of the harvest of wheat and sugar beet, {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]] ranked first in the world, in terms of the total volume of grain harvest – the {{i|USA}} [[United States of America|United States]] ranking second.

Under Nicholas II there was also significant {{i|Reformism}} [[Reformism|reforms]]. The essence of the reforms resulted in the peasants having the right to personal ownership, giving a person the opportunity to buy and sell land without being constrained by any conditions. The {{i|Bolsheviks}} [[Bolsheviks]], on the other hand, drove everyone into collective farms, again turning people into disenfranchised {{i|LeftSlave}} [[Left-Slavery|slaves]].

During Nicholas II's reign, huge sums of money were allocated for the creation of experimental agricultural enterprises. Farms, and experimental stations were emerging, and agronomy was developing. It was at this time that the first tractors appeared in villages. The population was growing at a record pace, while mortality was decreasing. One of the many myths regarding the {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire]] was that the population was allegedly starving, that every few years there was a terrible famine that claimed the lives of millions of people. Hunger in any case is reflected in the statistics, if there was one. But we know two peaks – the famine of the 1920s and 1930s. There were no such peaks in the Russian Empire; the mortality rate was consistently decreasing due to an increase in living standards. The claim that {{i|Leninism}} [[Leninism|the revolution]] saved people from hunger does not stand up to scrutiny. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Russian Empire was an advanced high-tech country with rapidly developing {{i|Industrialism}} [[Industrialism|industrialization]] and {{i|Technocracy}} [[Technocracy|education]].

Nicholas II led Russia to enter WWI, in order to defend their fellow {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox Christians]], {{i|KOSerbia}} [[Kingdom of Serbia|Serbia]]. Many of the peasants fighting the war were uninterested though. And while Nicholas was away on the Eastern Front fighting, he installed his wife, {{i|Autocracy}} [[Autocracy|Alexandra Feodorovna]] to rule Russia. But she and this mystic called {{i|Rasputin}} [[Rasputinism|Rasputin]] greatly messed up the economy. 

Despite all the positive changes to the physical world, Nicholas II was unable to adapt to the rapidly changing ideological world (that is, the social and political landscapes) of early 20th-century {{i|Russian Empire}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]]. This contributed to widespread discontent among various social groups, including the {{i|Industrialism}} [[Industrialism|working class]], {{i|Agrarianism}} [[Agrarianism|peasantry]], and {{i|Intellectualism}} [[Intellectualism|intellectuals]]. So he thought for the people and agreed stepped down in 1917. Then, Russia would full into civil war between the radical {{i|Bolsheviks}} [[Bolsheviks|Reds]] and the mixed {{i|WhiteMove}} [[White Movement|Whites]]. Nicholas II and his family were put under house arrest and moved about to multiple places during the civil war, until {{i|Lenin}} [[Leninism|Lenin]] decided to execute him and his entire family to prevent the Whites from getting to them and reinstalling them (despite of the fact that many Whites wanted a {{i|Dem}} [[democracy]] or {{i|ConMon}} [[Constitutional Monarchism|constitutional monarchy]]).

Nicholas II believed the {{i|Romanov}} [[House of Romanov|Romanovs]] would be exiled to {{i|England}} [[England]]. He never knew the {{i|Bolsheviks}} [[Bolsheviks]] had already decided to execute his entire family. His final words were a confused whisper — "What? What?" — as the guns were raised.

== Beliefs == 
Nicholas II is very {{i|AntiCommie}} [[Anti-Communism|anti-communist]]. He distrusted {{i|Lib}} [[Liberalism|liberal]] and {{i|Socialism}} [[Socialism|socialist]] movements, viewing them as threats to the {{i|Autocracy}} [[Autocracy|autocratic]] system and the traditional Russian way of life. This suspicion often led to harsh crackdowns on {{i|Contrarianism}} [[Contrarianism|political dissent]] and revolutionary activities.

Nicholas II was a {{i|AuthCon}} [[Authoritarian Conservatism|conservative]] ruler who valued traditional Russian culture and institutions. He was skeptical of rapid modernization and {{i|Industrialism}} [[Industrialism|industrialization]], fearing it would erode the traditional social fabric of Russia. But Nicholas II's stance on industrialization is a bit more nuanced than outright opposition. Nicholas II was {{i|Conservatism}} [[Conservatism|conservative]] and {{i|Tradition}} [[Traditionalism|traditional]] in many aspects, still his reign did see significant industrial progress, contrary to what many {{i|MarxLenin}} [[Marxism-Leninism|reds]] would tell you.

Deeply devout, Nicholas II's policies were influenced by his strong adherence to {{i|Orthodoxy}} [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Russian Orthodox Christianity]]. He saw the Church as a pillar of Russian identity and an essential support for his autocratic rule. Nicholas II also held the belief that he was chosen by {{i|The Father}} [[Monotheism|God]] to rule {{i|Russia}} [[Russian Empire|Russia]], even though he did not want to be the Tsar. This divine right doctrine made him see any challenge to his authority as not just a political threat but a sacrilegious act against the will of God. As such, Nicholas II saw his role as Tsar as a sacred duty. Despite his perceived weaknesses as a ruler, he believed deeply in his responsibility to uphold his family's legacy and to protect his nation.

Nicholas was greatly influenced by his wife, {{i|Autocracy}} [[Autocracy|Alexandra Feodorovna]]. She was the one who convinced him to hold on to autocratic power while the public were discontent. And unlike the many forced marriages that happen in {{i|Mon}} [[Monarchism|monarchies]], Nicholas and his wife had a very happy relationship.

While Nicholas II was not the most extreme ruler in terms of {{i|AntiJew}} [[Anti-Semitism|antisemitism]], he failed to protect {{i|Jew}} [[Jews|Jewish]] communities and upheld policies that discriminated against them, making his reign hostile to Jewish people. The Jews were kept away from large areas of Russia for their own protection from peasants, who felt exploited and aggrieved by the successful commercial genius of the Jews.

== Trivia ==
*Tsar Nicholas spoke five languages fluently, had travelled the {{I|Earth}} [[Earth|world]] and was very well-acquainted with European history.

== Quotes ==
{{QuoteBox|In the morning I warmed myself while sitting on the greenhouse roof.|{{i|Nicholas2}} [[Tsarism|Nicholas II of Russia]]}}{{QuoteBox|I shall never, under any circumstances, agree to a {{i|RepDem}} [[Representative Democracy|representative]] form of government because I consider it harmful to the people whom {{i|The Father}} [[Monotheism|God]] has entrusted to my care.|{{i|Nicholas2}} [[Tsarism|Nicholas II of Russia]]}}

== Relationships ==
=== Friends ===
*{{i|ChrTheo}} [[Christian Theocracy]] - I wanted to unite everyone under the banner of {{i|Jesus}} [[Jesusism|Christ]].

=== Neutral ===
*{{i|Tsarism}} [[Tsarism]] - I never wanted to be the Tsar, but it is my duty.

=== Enemies ===
*{{i|Revolutionary Socialism}} [[Revolutionary Socialism]] - Should never have let you seize power. Russia weeps as she sees the atrocities you commit.
*{{i|Lenin}} [[Leninism]] - The one who started it all. You brought nothing but destruction and death to Russia, so stop parading around with your "for the people" mask.

== Songs ==
=== Our Tsar ===
'''Our Tsar''' (Наш Царь) is a {{i|RussianL}} [[Russian Language|Russian]] song about Nicholas II.

<tabber>
|-|English={{BigScroll}}
Storm clouds, like a flock of crows, fill the sky <br>
WIP
|-|Russian={{BigScroll}}
Грозовые облака, стаей вь небь воронье <br>
WIP
</tabber>

== How to draw ==
{{Flag|Nicholas II flag.png|The famous flag proposal of late Russian Empire, but with Nicholas II's monogram instead of the eagle}}
{{DrawDif|hard}}
# Draw a ball.
# Fill it with three horizontal stripes of these three colours in order from top to bottom: white, blue, red.
# Draw a yellow square at the top left corner of the ball.
# Draw the monogram of Nicholas II in gray, and put the monogram in the yellow square..
# Add the eyes.
# Add Nicholas II’s cap, and you’re done!
# Add Nicholas II’s beard and clothing (optional)
{{FlagColour
|c1 = White
|h1 = #FFFFFF
|c2 = Blue
|h2 = #0039A6
|c3 = Red
|h3 = #D52B1E
|c4 = Yellow
|h4 = #FFCC33
|c5 = Dark Grey
|h5 = #4D4D4D
|c6 = Grey
|h6 = #808080
}}

== Gallery ==
<tabber>
|-|Normal=
<gallery widths=150px>
Three Cousins card art.png|Nicholas II in the middle, represented with the Russian flag
</gallery>
|-|Informational=
<gallery widths=150px>
NicholasII monogram.png|Monogram of Nicholas II
</gallery></tabber>

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Ideologies]]
[[Category:Personal Tendencies]]
[[Category:Russia]]