Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, passed away on July 17, 1918 at the age of 50. Nicholas II was born on May 6, 1868 in Tsarskoe Selo in the Alexander Palace. He was a member of the Romanov dynasty which had ruled Russia for over 300 years. Nicholas II was crowned autocrat of All the Russias on May 26, 1894. St. Petersburg Times described the coronation as “the most magnificent sight ever seen in the long history of spectacular Russian regal ceremonies.” Nicholas II sought to bring about political reform and improvements to the Russian economy but during this same period, his rule faced a series of difficult problems related to World War I, and his government became increasingly authoritarian in response. His rule was ultimately destabilized, leading to his abdication of the throne in 1917. Following the October Revolution of 1917, Nicholas II and his family were placed under house arrest and later sent into exile where they were tragically killed in 1918. The life of Emperor Nicholas II was a difficult one, filled with successes along with periods of turmoil. He will be remembered fondly by many. May his soul rest in peace.