“In agreement with the Imperial Duma we have thought it good to abdicate from the throne of the Russian State and to lay down the supreme power,” read the final text of the abdication act as amended by Nicholas. “Not wishing to part with our dear son we hand over our inheritance to our brother, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, and give him our blessing to mount the throne of the Russian State.” By the time Guchkov and Shulgin got back to Petrograd — on the morning of March 16 — the outcome of their mission was known in the capital. The Soviet was adamant against any attempt to preserve
...more
