The Last Tsar's Coronation: Khodynka and the Romanov Curse

In May 1896, Nicholas II's coronation in Moscow was meant to herald a new era for the Romanov dynasty. Instead, a catastrophic stampede on the Khodynka Field left over a thousand dead and hundreds injured. This episode explores the tragic events of that day, the tsar's controversial decision to attend a ball at the French embassy that evening, and how the disaster planted seeds of distrust that would grow into revolution. We discuss the role of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, the inadequate crowd control, the distribution of commemorative cups that sparked the crush, and the lasting psychological impact on Nicholas and Alexandra. Drawing on eyewitness accounts and official reports, we examine whether the tragedy could have been prevented and how it shaped public perception of the new tsar. The episode also touches on the cult of the 'Tsar-Batiushka' and the disconnect between the imperial family and the suffering of ordinary Russians. #Romanov #NicholasII #Khodynka #Coronation #RussianHistory #Tsar #Moscow #AlexandraFeodorovna #GrandDukeSergei #Stamped #Disaster #ImperialRussia #1896 #19thCentury #History #FexingoHistory #EasternEurope #Tragedy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo