Tsar Nicholas II: Biography of the Last Romanov Emperor of Russia

Internationally, Nicholas sought to bolster Russia's position through alliances and diplomatic agreements. He signed the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, aiming to counter German influence in the Middle East and end the longstanding Great Game rivalry with Britain. Earlier, he had initiated the Hague Convention of 1899, a pioneering but ultimately unsuccessful effort to promote disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution. These measures were part of his broader vision to solidify the Franco-Russian Alliance and strengthen Russia's global standing.

Domestically, however, Nicholas' reign was plagued by crises and controversies. He faced widespread criticism for his government's repressive policies, particularly during moments of significant unrest. The Khodynka Tragedy, a catastrophic stampede at his coronation celebrations, set a grim tone for his rule. His apparent complicity in anti-Jewish pogroms, the violent crackdown on Bloody Sunday in 1905, and the brutal suppression of the Russian Revolution that same year further tarnished his reputation. The disastrous Russo-Japanese War added to his woes, with the humiliating defeat of the Russian Baltic Fleet at the Battle of Tsushima and the loss of territories such as southern Sakhalin Island, Manchuria, and Korea.