The Russian Emperor returned from the front lines to spend the holiday season of 1916 to 17 with his family in the splendid isolation of the Imperial Palace outside Petrograd.

While he was at the palace, he listened impassively, day after day, as one advisor after another warned him of the rising

discontent in the country.

Only once did the façade crack.

On January 20th, 1917, the Emperor received Mikhail Rodzjanko, the chairman of the Duma, who reiterated the warnings

of an unhappy populace.

He urged the Emperor to take action.

Do not ask your people to choose between you and the good of the country, he warned his sovereign.

The Emperor sagged, his head dropped into his hands.

Is it possible, he demanded of Rozianco, that for 22 years I tried to work for the best,

and that for 22 years it was all a mistake?

Yes, Your Majesty majesty came the reply.

For 22 years, you followed the wrong course.

Welcome to the history of the 20th century.

Thank you. The

The Episode 136, The Winter of Our Discontent

This week, I want to pick up right where I left off last time, the murder of

Gregori Rasputin on December 30th, 1916. As you recall, he had been murdered in a rather

amateurish way by a cabal of aristocrats and others

who apparently hoped that eliminating Rasputin would be the key to bringing the emperor back to his senses in time to save Russia.

I ended the story when they ditched the body in the river.

The conspirators were hoping to create an

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