Question

Read the message below from the Russian tsar to his cousin, the German kaiser.

“An ignoble [not noble] war has been declared to a weak country. The indignation [outrage] in Russia shared fully by me is enormous. I foresee that very soon I shall be overwhelmed by the pressure forced upon me and be forced to take extreme measures which will lead to war. To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far.”

- Telegram from Tsar Nicholas II to German Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1914

Which of the following best describes the tsar’s message?


He worries that the coming war will be blamed on Russia.

He believes that warfare is immoral.

He complains about the pressures he is facing from Britain for war.

He fears Russia will be forced into war by forces outside his control

Answer 1

He feared Russia will be forced into war by forces outside his control.

Answer 2

My answer is that he fears Russia will be forced into war by forces outside his control. The Russians were ill-prepared for war. Many of the soldiers died in the fighting and had little provisions that they carried with them into war. Soon these soldiers rebelled and together with the people overthrew the monarchy.