Why was Rasputin so important to the World War 1?

Answer 1

Grigori Rasputin, also known as the "mad monk" (1869-1916) is notable for his supposed influence on the Russian royal family during the end of Tsarist rule.

Rasputin was a faith healer who was called upon to treat Alexei, the hemophiliac son of Tsar Nicholas II. Rasputin had gained a reputation as a holy mystic, and apparently improved the boy's condition. He advised Nicholas II to take command of the Russian army in World war I, and was involved in many conflicts with the clergy, as well as alleged dalliances with women whose families sought political favors.

Rasputin was stabbed at the behest of a former colleague in 1914, but survived. In 1916, he was finally murdered, with some reports implicating rival noblemen and other suggesting the involvement of British agents.

The more colorful story of his death includes that he was poisoned by opposing noblemen, but survived, only to be shot in the back, again not succumbing. He was then shot again three times, and finally clubbed unconscious, tied up in a carpet and thrown into an icy river...where he managed to escape yet again, only to drown beneath the ice.

A new book, "Rasputin and The Jews", provides evidence that, other than aiding Alexei and being spiritual advisor to the royal family, much of the supposed influence he had on the Tsar didn't actually exist. In addition, the malicious rumors about his wild activities were largely fabricated by an anti-Semitic aristocracy because Rasputin was an active proponent for giving equal rights to the severely oppressed Jews and other minorities. He was also anti-war. But the Tsar did not accord the Jews equal rights, and he still got involved in WW I, against Rasputin's advice.

While it is said that he advised Nicholas II to take command of the Russian army from his uncle, the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevitch, the Tsarina also encouraged the Tsar to do this, having caught wind of the Grand Duke's plot to overthrow Nicholas and send the Tsarina to a convent.

Answer 2

Rasputin was a Russian mystic. His nickname was the 'mad monk'. Rasputin helped to discredit the Russian Tsar, which eventually led to the fall of the Tsar in 1917.