Vintage Video - Tsar Nicholas II's Imperial War Declaration, 1914
With Russia's entry into the war against Germany popular reaction was - as elsewhere - enthusiastic. The popularity of the monarchy rose markedly and domestic political strife was, at least temporarily, set aside.
Tsar Nicholas II himself issued a public proclamation of war in St. Petersburg at the beginning of August 1914. This reflected perhaps the height of the Tsar's wartime popularity. Continuing military defeat, especially after the Tsar assumed personal command of his armies in 1915 (against the advice of his Cabinet), ultimately led tohis downfall.
Use the player above to view footage of the proclamation and of the crowds gathered to view the Tsar and Tsarina.
The first zeppelin raid on London was on 31 May 1915. Earlier raids in January 1915 had avoided London. The London raid resulted in 28 deaths and 60 injuries.
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