Chapter+1+Imperial+Russia

Chapter 1 1894 Imperial RussiaChapter 1: 1894 Imperial Russia

Summary: The first chapter of "Nicholas and Alexandra" mainly gives the reader context and the conditions in Russia. Robert Massie describes the harsh Russian winters and the poverty in which many people lived. While peasants were liberated and not bound to an estate like they were under serfdom, they were still extremely poor. This chapter also emphasizes the importance of the Church in the city: "The Church offered the extremes of emotion, from gloom to ecstasy. It taught that suffering was good, that drabness and pain were inevitable." (p.5)

Analysis Massie puts this chapter in the book to give the reader some context and the foundation to know the Russian people were going through. Massie emphasizes the Church and their large role in Moscow's politics, as well as the conditions of the peasants. This chapter also talks about Alexander III, and his autocracy. Massie seems to support the policies of Alexander III: "Under Alexander III, the Russian system of autocracy appeared to work." (10)