The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is a revolution? How might revolution be different from other forms of political change? What factors might influence political reform? What social and cultural factors often play into revolution? What are some of the successful and unsuccessful examples of revolution in history?

Teaching Suggestion: The Family Romanov describes the political climate and factors surrounding the fall of the imperial family in Russia. It may be beneficial for students to read the article suggested or a similar resource describing the political climate of Russia at the turn of the century and the causes of revolution in history to discuss factors that often lead to political reform.

• This article describes Russia’s political and cultural climate in the early 20th century.
• This article explains what revolution is and the various causes of revolution.

2. What might be the benefits and pitfalls of an imperial government? Why might people who suffer under imperialism find ideologies such as Marxism appealing? What impact might poor working conditions and wages have on the lack of support for imperialism? What might some consider to be the pitfalls of capitalist societies? What might be the drawbacks of Marxism?

Teaching Suggestion: Increased literacy and understanding of new political ideologies contributed to the eventual downfall of Imperial Russia. A new idea, formulated by Karl Marx and largely circulated by Vladimir Lenin, emerged on the Russian political scene. Consider discussing the political origins of Imperial Russia and the new ideas based on Marxism that began to gain popularity among the Russian working class.

• This 10-minute video describes the rise and fall of the Russian Empire.
• This 5-minute video describes Karl Marx’s theories on the ideal political system.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to research and discuss the differences between capitalism, communism, and socialism. Students could identify and display in visual form the benefits and drawbacks of each political system. Their projects might be displayed throughout the unit as a reference for readers.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Describe a time when you felt you could not achieve something because factors beyond your control seemed to be working against you. Explain the obstacles that worked against you. Were you able to overcome them? Do you think perspective and wise counsel are essential in looking beyond circumstances to understand the root of a problem? What problems might be solved if others could gain understanding and perspective?

Teaching Suggestion: Tsar Nicholas II is born in a political era he claims he is ill-equipped to understand. Though he is a good person by many accounts, Nicholas’s continued disregard for the unrest among the lower classes of society leads to his eventual downfall. It might be helpful to point out the importance of empathy, then lead students to brainstorm both qualities that define good leadership and the potential consequences of failing to understand and empathize with those you serve.