Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Advisor to Tsar Nicholas II”

In this activity, students use details from the book to act as an advisor to Tsar Nicholas.

Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra are described as good people in the book, if perhaps unaware and a little misguided. Consider the events in the book that contribute to the downfall of the Romanov family and explain how you would advise the family to act differently on behalf of the Russian people and to preserve their lives.

As their advisor, develop a strategy that addresses each of the topics below, using media such as a video or presentation software to explain each strategy. Use details from the book to support your reasoning.

• How would you advise Nicholas II to view Alexander II’s death?
• What might you tell Nicholas about his father’s expectations and training?
• How could the coronation disaster have been avoided or handled differently?
• What might Nicholas II do to build a better relationship with his people?
• How might increased literacy be embraced to improve information circulated about the effectiveness of governing programs?
• What would you advise the royals to do about their social isolation?
• What might you advise the royals about Rasputin?
• What should Nicholas do regarding the Dumas?
• What would be the appropriate military strategy in Germany?
• How could the events of Bloody Sunday be prevented?