Who was the last Tsar of Russia?
Maybe not who you think. Most would say it was Nicholas II who, at that time, had been tsar for twenty-three years, but there was another with a claim to that distinction. During the February-March 1917 Russian Revolution, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, Nicholas’s younger brother, left his home and family in Gatchina and went to St. Petersburg to try to offer his help in quelling the disorders. While there, Michael received a telegram from his brother that read:
To His Majesty the Emperor Michael…
Recent events have forced me to decide irrevocably to take this extreme step. Forgive me if it grieves you, and also for no warning – there was no time. Shall always remain a faithful and devoted brother. Now returning to HQ, where hope to come back shortly to Tsarskoye Selo. Fervently pray God to help you and our country. Nicky.
The Tsar had abdicated, leaving his younger brother to deal with the impending crisis, knowing that Michael didn’t want to be tsar. He was a man of simple tastes who wanted nothing more than to live his life in peace with his family. In the present climactic situation in St. Petersburg, the Tsar had put a target on his brother’s back.
This picture is of Michael.
Reluctant though he was, Michael recognised that his birth imposed a duty on him that he could not ignore. After consulting with ministers and other leading men the next day and being warned that if he accepted, he would be killed, a compromise was reached. Michael agreed to assume the supreme authority only if and when a Constituent Assembly elected by the people to determine the new form of government invested him with such power. He would accept the burden if it was the will of the people. Aside from all the arguments and his wishes on the matter, the accepted tradition that the Russian throne belonged not to the tsar but to the people is what ultimately influenced his decision.
Although it is little known, for one day, Michael Alesandrovich was the last Tsar of Russia. Coincidentally, the first Romanov tsar of Russia was named Michael, and so was the last.
This picture is of Nicholas.
