Primary Documents - Tsar Nicholas II's Abdication Proclamation, 2 March 1917
The Russian Tsar,
Nicholas II,
signed his enforced abdication (in favour of
Grand Duke Mikhail, who
effectively
declined power) on 15 March 1917 (2 March in the Julian calendar) at
3.05 p.m.
Click here to view a large-size copy of the abdication letter (opens in a new window).
Decree of Abdication
In the days of the great struggle against the foreign enemies, who for nearly three years have tried to enslave our fatherland, the Lord God has been pleased to send down on Russia a new heavy trial.
Internal popular disturbances threaten to have a disastrous effect on the future conduct of this persistent war. The destiny of Russia, the honour of our heroic army, the welfare of the people and the whole future of our dear fatherland demand that the war should be brought to a victorious conclusion whatever the cost.
The cruel enemy is making his last efforts, and already the hour approaches when our glorious army together with our gallant allies will crush him. In these decisive days in the life of Russia, We thought it Our duty of conscience to facilitate for Our people the closest union possible and a consolidation of all national forces for the speedy attainment of victory.
In agreement with the Imperial Duma We have thought it well to renounce the Throne of the Russian Empire and to lay down the supreme power. As We do not wish to part from Our beloved son, We transmit the succession to Our brother, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, and give Him Our blessing to mount the Throne of the Russian Empire.
We direct Our brother to conduct the affairs of state in full and inviolable union with the representatives of the people in the legislative bodies on those principles which will be established by them, and on which He will take an inviolable oath.
In the name of Our dearly beloved homeland, We call on Our faithful sons of the fatherland to fulfil their sacred duty to the fatherland, to obey the Tsar in the heavy moment of national trials, and to help Him, together with the representatives of the people, to guide the Russian Empire on the road to victory, welfare, and glory.
May the Lord God help Russia!
(SIGNED)
NICHOLAS II
(COUNTER-SIGNED)
FREDERICKS, MINISTER OF THE IMPERIAL COURT
"ANZAC" was coined in 1915 from the initials of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
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