One of the most bone headed decisions on the part of Tsar Nicholas II was replacing the Grand Duke as Commander-in-Chief with himself.
Grand Duke Nicholas was not a military genius. But he was tough, smart, and greatly respected by the troops. It is is a real shame for Russia - and Europe - that he was not Tsar when the Revolution broke out.
Yes, instead of the stupidest and most incompetent man just running the country of Russia, Tsar Nicholas II also ran the Army and the war effort, only from Stavka which was 500 miles from the front. He fired the Grand Duke Nicholas and took his place; a habit this boob had with the competent officers on his staff, keeping on the bootlickers. The Grand Duke in Paris was a constant target for the Bolsheviks during his remaining life.