Chapter+31

@Chapter 31Chapter 31: His Majesty's Government Does Not Insist

Summary: This chapter gives a background of the Soviet uprising. The chapter gives brief anecdotes about Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin during the early days of their revolution: "He issued his famous April Thesis, demanding the overthrow of the Provisional Government, the abolition of the police, the army, and the bureaucracy."(463) Lenin's political platform during this time is protesting World War I, which he thinks is an imperialist war. Massie also talks about the double role of Alexander Kerensky and his duty to transport Nicholas to Tobolsk. Kerensky was both an opponent of the Provisional government and the Soviet uprising.

Analysis: This chapter lays out the groundwork for the downfall of Nicholas. He is already essentially out of power and is on the run from the Red army. He is being transported to Tobolsk, which he thinks is a strongly held position by the White army. However, this position is weak and on the move again once the Red army moves in. This chapter builds up suspense for the downfall of Nicholas.