1. Rasputin

2. Russian Religion Russian Orthodox Filled with Mysticism Many Miracles
Tsar is father of Russian people – pray to him

3. Background Grew up a peasant in Siberia
Supernatural power Vision of virgin Mary
Married w 3 kids (also had child w/ other woman)
Religious pilgrimage to Greece and Jerusalem
1901
Walked entire way

4. Romanov Family 5 children – 4 girls and 1 boy
Alexei – heir to the throne
Hemophiliac – cannot stop bleeding – intense pain
Family hides Alexei’s condition from the world
Several near death experiences

5. Rasputin – Miracle Worker
Somehow knows of Alexei’s condition – claims he can help
Gains access to Alexei through family friend
Stopped the bleeding
Hypnosis?
Bleeding stopped each time
“Our Friend” and “Holy Man”

6. Rasputin’s Influence
Major influence over royal family – prophet , healer
Go through him to talk with Tsar
Private life, Socializing, and bribery – turned people against him.

7. Downfall Tsar goes to front, Rasputin rules Russia with Tsarina
Rasputin gives military orders from his “dreams”
All huge failures – Tsar losses support at home
Predicts that if member of Tsar’s family kills him – Tsar will be overthrown

8. Murder By nephew of Tsar and others Cyanide- x5 lethal dose
Shot…in back
Shot again… shoulder
Shot again…head
Beaten with club
Thrown off bridge
Placed under ice
= died of drowning