Rasputin
History: KS3, topic 17.3.4
Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin was a self-proclaimed mystic, holy man, and preacher. He worked at Tsar Nicholas II's court.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Rasputin
When was Rasputin born?
How was Rasputin involved with the Tsar's family?