What did Tsar Nicholas II believe?

Answer 1

His political beliefs were based on staunch commitment to his conservative moral judgments and his religious views. His personal values included order, self-discipline, dedication towards the military, the importance of family, tradition and duty. These conservative beliefs were reflected in his political choices. He strongly believed that these values represented Russian traditional ideals, and that they had to be upheld at any cost. Any form of political change, such as a limit to the tsar's power, were viewed as a dangerous threat to the wellbeing of Russia. He also believed that as tsar, he was the voice of God on earth, and that he had a special bond with the Russian people. Any interference from ministers, laws or institutions was a barrier to this God-given connection with the people. He despised what he viewed as the extravagance of the aristocracy, and he often disregarded his ministers' advice on the basis of his religious convictions. He hated the influence and ideas of foreigners, including Jews, on his country, and believed that his conservative ideals would bring Russia back to its best, most holy and moral state. Deeply patriotic, he also believed that war was important in promoting nationalism.

He recognized that he had to fulfill two contradictory rules as tsar: the powerful ruler, and the saintly leader. He favored the role of the magnanimous saint-like tsar, and thus was reluctant to use force to deal with opposition. He often appeared ambivalent and weak in his decisions.

Source: The Fall of the Romanovs by Steinberg and Khrustalev