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Grigori Rasputin. 1869-1916. Who Was Rasputin?. Was a Russian peasant Became known as the “Mad Monk” Actually not a monk Became very close to Nicholas II and his family early 1900’s Believed to have magical powers. Connection with Tsar. Alexei was Nicholas II’s son
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Grigori Rasputin 1869-1916
Who Was Rasputin? • Was a Russian peasant • Became known as the “Mad Monk” • Actually not a monk • Became very close to Nicholas II and his family early 1900’s • Believed to have magical powers
Connection with Tsar • Alexei was Nicholas II’s son • Alexei suffered from hemophilia • Hemophilia is when it is difficult to stop bleeding (scabs do not form easily) • Bleeding can also be internal • Every time Alexei got hurt, Rasputin was always able to give him some relief
Problems with Rasputin Accused of being a German spy Helped pick friends for political positions Disliked by the Russian Orthodox Church Predicted that the Russian army would fail if Nicholas II did not take it over Believed to be a negative influence on the royal family
Rasputin’s Assassination • Mystery surrounding Rasputin’s murder • A group of nobles were convinced that Rasputin was only hurting the royal family • They invite Rasputin to a midnight tea December 16th, 1916 • They give him cake and wine laced with potassium cyanide (heating it)
Rasputin’s Assassination • The cyanide does not work • Rasputin’s daughter said he avoided anything with sugar • The nobles shot him and continued partying • He was still alive, tried to escape, so they shot and clubbed him • He was then wrapped up and thrown into a hole in the frozen Neva River
Autopsy Results Alcohol, no poison was found in body when it was discovered two days later Hands were found in a frozen and raised position This means he may have been alive when thrown in river