Tsarevich Nicholas on the path to the Russian throne, 1868-1896

Abstract

Tsarevich Nicholas, the eldest son of Tsar Alexander III, was born on 6 May 1868. He received a good education at home and was trained in a special program of lectures between 1885-1890. His political thoughts were formed by Konstantin Pobedonoscev, the chief-procurator of the Synod. Pobedonoscev taught Tsarevich that the tsars were appointed by God whose will must never be challenged and that opposition from the people must be crushed. Tsarevich strongly believed that Russia depended on the autocracy - no autocracy- no Russia. In 1892 Alexander III involved the Tsarevich in the work of the State Council and the Committee of Ministers so that he could acquaint himself directly with those highest institution of the empire. Tsarevich ascended to the throne on 21 October 1894 as Nicholas II. The new Tsar intended to serve his people and secure the autocracy as firmly as his father did.