The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia

When he first becomes the ruler of Russia, Nicholas acknowledges that he is“’not prepared to be tsar.’” (29) As a monarch, how does Nicholas fail to fulfill his duty to the Russian people? If Nicholas had been a more prepared and capable ruler, could he have prevented revolution?

What factors led the Russian working class to rebel in 1905? How did the social changes of the early twentieth century spur citizens to act? Were these early rebellions successful? Why or why not?

Nicholas’s wife, Alexandra, says she wears “‘invisible trousers’” under her skirts (29), and she takes the dominant role in the couple’s relationship. How does Alexandra’s active role affect both the strength of the tsardom, and the well-being of Russia as a whole?

Describe some of the primary sources Fleming includes throughout The Family Romanov. How do these diverse voices add to or change Fleming’s story?

Compare and contrast the personality Rasputin shows to the public—that of a drunkard with little to no propriety—and the characteristics of a holy man he displays around the royal family. Are there other contrasts to Rasputin’s character? How does his dual character affect the royals, and Russia as a whole?

Describe the Russian tradition of faith in their “father tsar,” and how Nicholas caused people to lose this faith. In your opinion, could Nicholas have done anything to regain the people’s loyalty, or had the time for revolution arrived regardless of the current tsar’s ability to rule?

The Family Romanov touches upon three forms of government: autocracy, democracy, and communism. Compare and contrast at least two of these systems of governing. How did the Russians fare under each of these systems?

How does World War I lead to the Russian Revolution? If a world war had not happened, do you think the revolutions of 1917 would still have taken place? Why or why not?