[Tax-chick]

As Maine Mariner pointed out above, Russia was modernizing with some success in the late 19th century. However, the Czar was in many ways frozen in time. For example, one book I read said that Nicholas’s teachers were not allowed to ask him questions to see how he understood what he was taught. That would have encroached on his royal dignity.

I would describe Nicholas II as dutiful, devout, kind, and courageous. However, he would have needed to be a very different person - original, creative, decisive, open to all possibilities - in order to have a chance of succeeding during World War I and later.

[left that other site]

I think as more things are uncovered, History will be kinder to Nicolas.

[Albion Wilde]

the Czar was in many ways frozen in time. ...Nicholas’s teachers were not allowed to ask him questions to see how he understood what he was taught. That would have encroached on his royal dignity....he would have needed to be a very different person - original, creative, decisive, open to all possibilities - in order to have a chance of succeeding during World War I and later.

Be very afraid when spoiled Prince Charles takes the British throne. No wonder the Queen is working well into her 80s.