Was Nicholas II responsible for his own downfall?
             Historians seem to think that Tsar Nicholas was responsible for his own downfall, though partially there was also the influence of others reasons in which he had no control over the situations and could not be held responsible for. The two main reasons which are seemed to have contributed the most to his downfall are his own weaknesses and defaults aided by the catastrophes and effects of the First World War.
             Tsar Nicholas inherited his authority from his father who when died left his son to continue ruling the country in the same autocrat fashion in which he had ruled. He was also a dictator which was not at all times agreeable with the people of Russia. As Russia was a very vast empire, compromising of only 40% of Russian, living with other nationalities which made it harder for Tsar Nicholas because as they all represented different languages, customs and religions, many became restless and wanted their independence, democracy and their own say in the goings on of the country. Tsar Nicholas unfortunately didn't see the need for him to rule the country democratically; that was part of his weakness not being able to satisfy and control the country.
             Secondly, a reason that contributed to his downfall, which he didn't have any control over was the Russo-Japanese war. In 1904 with no warning at all, The Japanese attacked a Russian fleet. The build up to this sudden attack was the many years of rivalry between the two countries. The Tsar's popularity rose when the war began because the war was greeted enthusiastically with high hopes of winning it, but unfortunately the results of the war were disastrous. Poor communication prevented rapid movement of Russian troops and supplies, which lead to the defeat of Russia. The effect of the defeat at home was swift as th e Tsar's popularity reached its lowest and his government was sev...