Chapter+13-14

Chapter13, The Royal Progress, and Chapter 14, "The Little One WIll Not Die"The first of these chapters focused on the lifestyle of the royal family, in particular the

yearly pre-1912 patterns that the czar and his family followed. It also gives an account of one of

his visits to England, and their relationship with the royal family there. One thing that was

emphasized in this was the waste and extravagance that characterized their existence. They had

multiple palaces, multiple Royal Trains, and multiple yachts. They spent, from the description,

most of the year away from the capital, and while he was away, Nicholas preferred to relax rather

than spend any time managing his empire. He also seemed to be unconcerned for the safety of his

heirs. Numerous accidents happened in this chapter, and Nicholas only acted as a mitigater, not

as a preventer. At the same time, the czar and czarina are caring of the populace. During their

times at Livadia, they interacted with the common people and tried to be a part of “them”. This

chapter presents an altogether favorable view of the royal family. They are admittedly

extravagant, but genuinely care for the advancement of Russia. However, they are more self-

interested than not.

In chapter 14 lies the seeds of Rasputin and the eventual downfall of the Romanov

Dynasty. The czarevitch Alexis, while at Spala, comes down with a severe case of bleeding out

of the abdomen. There were serious concerns for Alexis’ life, and he seemed to be headed to his

death. This situation lingered longer than was comfortable, until Rasputin sent a telegram to them

saying he would pray for Alexis. Then he got better. It portrays Rasputin as a kind of inexplicable

force, because there “was no medical explanation for his cure.” However, as soon as Rasputin

arrived on the scene, the deathly ill boy got better. Whatever the real reason for his recovery, the

royal family believed Rasputin was behind it, and was more inclined to trust and respect him. At

this point the whole of Russia still supports the autocracy fully, and the whole country goes into

mourning for the not-quite dead Alexis. The country, after 1912, esteemed the royals less and less.