Were the czar and czarina responsible for their own downfall?

Answer 1

The czar and czarina played a role in their downfall due to their autocratic rule, political mismanagement, and disconnect from the needs of the Russian people. Their inability to address the social and economic challenges facing Russia contributed to unrest and ultimately led to their abdication during the Russian Revolution.

Answer 2

On the one hand they were, steadfastly ignoring the rising tide of unrest and clamor for more democracy. Besides, Nicholas II by his own frank admissing was totally not up to the job: he had a shy and retiring nature and even his friends would not call him very intelligent. He simply did not know how to deal with developments and was much influenced by his domineering wife who kept on telling him to hold on tight to his powers.

But the downfall itself was caused by the meltdown of Russia's war economy at the end of WW 1. Widespread famine resulted, and it was this what led to the mass demonstrations that led to revolution. And that transition again resulted from the brutal way in which the responible minister and chiefs of police dealt with the demonstrations.

The Czar - or his son - might in the end have survived as a 'ceremonial' monarch without much power, but the Communists took over from the moderate revolutionaries and that meant the final downfall of Nicholas II.

Answer 3

To some extent they were. They didn't listen to the people and ignored problems.