The use of the word ‘German’ in [1] denotes the Tsarina as being implied as a foreigner within Russia, almost as if an animal that had been lost, and was to be returned to its rightful owner, which in this case is Germany. [2] further provides an insight from the Tsarina’s own son, that she would cry over the German defeats, and this of course questioned as to whether she was on the side of the country which she was ruling, Russia, or her place of birth Germany. Her tears from German defeats can also question whether the negative rumours if she was acting as a Germany spy during the war were also true, and if any her intentions that she hoped to have over Russia, if any. Sources [1] and [2] are extracts taken from Bruce Lockhart’s diary which he had kept during his Moscow posting in 1915. Because he was a foreigner, from England, I do not think there would be any reason for him to be bias, which is why I believe that this is a reliable source which reflects a realistic view of views towards the Tsarina during the absence of Tsar Nicholas II, and provide an insight to her true German feelings.
“Throughout Russia, both at the front and at home, rumour grew ever louder concerning the pernicious influence exercise by the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, who whose side rose the sinister figure of Gregory Rasputin. This charlatan and hypnotist had wormed himself into the Tsar’s palace and gradually acquired a limitless power over the hysterical Empress and through her over the Sovereign.” [3] This is a source which was produced by Adriana Tyrkova in 1918, the year denoting the end of the first world war, and a year after the Tsarist regime had ended after 300 years. This source reflects the Tsarina as being a weak individual who had been heavily influenced by Rasputin, and thus allowing Rasputin to have measures put into place via the Tsarina, as she was in control of Russia during her husband’s absence. Her weakness of being easily controlled and influenced by Rasputin is able to identify and question if Alexandra Feodorovna was even fit enough to be the Empress of Russia, and if she was effective enough to take control of Russia.
As the Tsarina was heavily influenced by Rasputin this therefore developed ‘the Tsarina’s blind faith in Rasputin led her to seek his counsel not only in personal matters but questions of State Policy” [4] Source [3] is therefore able to link with Source [4] which distinguishes upon how much the Tsarina had been influenced, a source which was composed by Alexander Kerensky. Tsarina’s ‘blind faith’ which she held for Rasputin arised once she had believed him for healing her son, but whilst being thankful for him and commanding to what he would say. However this could also be the cause behind the relationship they held, as to whether it was just a friendship, or possibly the relationship was a bit more than just friends, and is the cause for the dominating decisions which Rasputin had over Russia, alongside the Tsarina.
The use of the word ‘blind’ is also able to imply how she was curtained from seeing the real likes of Rasputin, and how he was proving to be ‘fatal to the dynasty’, and therefore demolishing the autocratic ruling which the Tsarina had believed in.
“Rumour grew ever louder concerning the pernicious influence exercise by the empress Alexandra Feodorovna” [3] as well as the influence that Rasputin held over the Tsarina, the following source also comments on how a harmful effect was applied by the Tsarina, which could be upon the Tsar, and how she was able to have an influence over him, as well as the country of Russia, such as its Government. Whilst this source comments on the influences which were being made, this source implies the Tsarina in a sinister way, and can question as to whether the harmful effects which she caused throughout Russia were done on purpose due to her unpopularity.
Furthermore this following source disfigures the way in which Rasputin was viewed, rather than having a ‘holy man’ image he is instead portrayed as a ‘sinister’ figure who had ‘wormed himself into the Tsar’s palace’ which views Rasputin again in a more unpleasant way.
The weakness of the Tsarina, and the control which Rasputin had placed over her, which she then had over her husband can be reflected in [5]. This source is a Russian cartoon portraying Rasputin in 1916, Rasputin is seen as the large dominating figure, whilst the Tsar and the Tsarina who are portrayed as small figures are sitting on his lap, almost has if under his control. This source could highlight and reflect the weakness of both the Tsar and the Tsarina, that even though they ruled the country, someone instead had control over them.