Overview
This transcript recounts the detailed timeline and motivations behind the assassination of Grigori Rasputin, including the planning, execution, and aftermath of the event, along with contextual background on his controversial rise to power in Russia.
Rasputin’s Rise and Influence
- Rasputin was born a peasant in Siberia and lived a normal early life, marrying and starting a family.
- At age 28, he left home for a religious pilgrimage, attracting devoted followers with alleged healing powers.
- His reputation for healing led the Russian Empress to seek his help for her hemophiliac son, which earned Rasputin the royal family's trust.
- Rasputin gained extraordinary influence, making political decisions and advising on wartime matters.
Controversy and Public Backlash
- Rasputin’s lifestyle included heavy drinking, partying, and constant affairs, drawing police surveillance.
- Police recorded multiple liaisons with prostitutes and followers, contributing to widespread rumors and public disdain.
- The media, despite censorship, began paying fines to report on his influence and the royal family's perceived subservience to him.
- Political opposition culminated in a public speech by Vladimir Purishkevich, catalyzing the plan for assassination.
Assassination Plot and Planning
- Felix Yusupov and Purishkevich, joined by Grand Duke Dimitri, Dr. Lazovert, and Lieutenant Sergei Sukhotin, conspired to kill Rasputin.
- The plan involved luring Rasputin to Yusupov’s palace under the pretense of meeting Yusupov’s wife at a party.
- The assassins prepared poisoned cakes and wine, and carefully choreographed Rasputin’s arrival and the party setup.
Execution of the Assassination
- Delays and logistical issues complicated the party’s start and the gang’s coordination.
- Rasputin initially declined the poisoned food and drink but eventually consumed laced wine as the evening progressed.
- The poison failed to kill Rasputin; Yusupov shot him, but Rasputin unexpectedly revived and attempted escape.
- Purishkevich fired additional shots, finally killing Rasputin in the courtyard.
- The group struggled to dispose of the body and evidence, ultimately dumping Rasputin’s corpse in the river, but left incriminating traces behind.
Aftermath and Consequences
- Police quickly found Rasputin’s body, and public knowledge of the assassins’ identities spread.
- The Tsar refrained from arresting the conspirators to avoid further inflaming Russia’s political unrest.
- The main conspirators faced various fates: exile, departure from Russia, or subsequent death.
Timeline of Key Events
- Multiple surveillance incidents of Rasputin: February 19, March 10, May 12, 1915
- Plot hatched: November 1916, after Purishkevich’s public speech
- Assassination night: December 29, 1916 – preparation, poisoning, shooting, body disposal
- Rasputin’s body discovered: two days after the murder
Decisions
- Assassinate Rasputin to remove his influence over the royal family and Russia.
- Cover up the murder by disposing of the body and burning evidence.
Action Items
- TBD – Conspirators: Leave Russia to avoid prosecution (eventually carried out by main participants).