How Did Grigori Rasputin Political Influence

An Analysis of Rasputin’s Political Influence

The early 20th Century was a time of huge political turmoil in Russia. In the midst of the turmoil emerged an undisputable mastermind, a man not only capable of mystic healing and sorcery but also of enormous political significance. This man was Grigori Rasputin, a Russian peasant who navigated himself to a position of high command within the imperial government. The motives for Rasputin’s actions have been heavily debated over the course of the last century. This has given rise to the question of whether Rasputin was a true mystic or a political imposter. Initially, Rasputin’s actions purely fulfilled his designated role as a healer to the Empress Alexandra’s son. However, as time passed, Rasputin
The parish register record of 21st January, 1869, notes that “In the village of Pokrovskoye, in the family of the peasant Yefim Yakovlevich Rasputin and his wife, both Orthodox, was born a son, Grigory.” (Joseph T. Fuhrmann, Rasputin: The Untold Story). Grigori was the fifth of nine children – of which only two survived. Little is known about his childhood aside from unreliable accounts from his daughter. It is believed that Grigori never attended school. However, accounts also draw that Grigori compelled mysterious gifts, and was able to command attention. In 1887, Grigori married Praskovia Fyodorovna Dubrovina (1866-1936) with whom he had three children. Grigori was not content with the normality of life and aspired to a greater existence – first spiritually and later socially. Without notice, Grigori left his family and joined a monastery in Verkhoturye. There, he was influenced by a resident hermit who inspired Rasputin to give up meat and drink (the latter only for only for a brief portion of his life). During these years, Rasputin claimed to have had visions. These visions prompted Rasputin to live a life of a wandering mystic. He was highly regarded by many – and was considered a staret – which is an elder mystic. Although Rasputin had a curious manner of speech, his words were powerful. Adding to this, he was able to preach in a
In Kiev he attracted the attention of the bishop and members of the upper class. Then, in the same year, Rasputin headed to St. Petersburg to collect donations for the construction of a church. Rasputin carried an introduction to Ivan Stragorodsky, the rector of the theological faculty. Rasputin stayed at Alexander Nevsky Lavra; there he met with Hermogenes Theophanes of Poltava who, amazed by his tenacious memory and psychological perspicacity, offered Rasputin to live in his apartment. As if by intervention, Rasputin befriended Milica of Montenegro and her sister Anastasia – both of whom were interested in Persian mysticism, spiritism and occultism. In November 1905, Milica presented Rasputin to Tsar Nicholas and his wife Alexandra – ultimately changing the course of Rasputin’s life and the political direction of