History Daily 1281: The Assassination of Russia’s “Mad Monk”
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Dec 30, 2025 Delve into the dramatic assassination of Grigori Rasputin, the enigmatic figure close to the Russian royals. Discover how his mystical influence over Empress Alexandra heightened tensions during World War I. Uncover the twisted plot orchestrated by Felix Yusupov, leading to a chaotic murder that almost ended with Rasputin's escape. Learn how this shocking event accelerated the decline of the Romanov dynasty, igniting the revolutionary flames in 1917. A tale of intrigue, power, and tumultuous change awaits!
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The Trap In Yusupov's Cellar
- Felix Yusupov lured Grigory Rasputin to his palace under the pretense of meeting his wife and then produced a revolver to shoot him.
- Rasputin was taken by surprise in a lavish cellar, illustrating how trust and hospitality were weaponized in the plot.
Personal Trust Became Political Power
- Rasputin gained influence by convincing Empress Alexandra he could heal her hemophiliac son, Alexei.
- That intimate personal trust translated into outsized political power when Nicholas II went to the front and left governance to Alexandra.
Rasputin's De Facto Rule
- When Nicholas II left for the front, he entrusted Alexandra to govern and she relied heavily on Rasputin.
- Rasputin effectively ruled the country, making him a lightning rod for aristocratic and public anger.