17.3.4

Rasputin

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Grigori Rasputin

Grigori Rasputin was a self-proclaimed mystic, holy man, and preacher. He worked at Tsar Nicholas II's court.

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Rasputin's background

  • In 1869, Rasputin was born as a peasant in Western Siberia.
  • Whilst growing up in such a poor environment, historians think that he may have been a criminal involved in drinking alcohol, thieving and blasphemy.
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Rasputin's religious awakening

  • Rasputin went to a monastery in Verkhoturye.
    • This religious experience supposedly revolutionised him as a person.
  • Rasputin became deeply religious after his time at the monastery.
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The role of the tsarina

  • The tsar and his wife (known as the tsarina) were desperate for someone to heal their son Alexei (who suffered from hemophilia).
  • They had been introduced to Rasputin, who 'cured' Alexei during one of his hemophiliac episodes.
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Tsar's confessor

  • In 1910, the tsar needed a new confessor (personal priest).
  • Tsarina Alexandra, Tsar Nicholas II's wife, supported making Rasputin the Tsar's new confessor.
  • Rasputin was a Russian Orthodox Christian, but he also believed in spirits, healing and other mystical/pagan parts of religion.
  • Rasputin helped the Tsar's son Alexei and was Tsar Nicholas II's personal confessor.
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Controversy

  • Despite his religious beliefs, Rasputin was a womaniser.
    • Rasputin supposedly took bribes, was corrupt and took sexual favours to use what were believed to be his 'healing powers'.
    • Lots of his untoward behaviour happened in public.
  • The Russian people thought that Rasputin was too influential.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Russian Revolution: 1917 AD

18The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

19World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

20The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

21Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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