balonsnipple:

[history meme] five assassinations [1/5] - The Romanov Family 

The Romanovs had given Lenin a problem. To many, Tsar Nicholas was still the legitimate ruler of Russia. While he was still alive, the people could rally to his cause. The simple fact was that many in the White (monarchist) corner were fighting to restore Nicholas to the throne. The Tsar, appointed by God, had the divine right to rule and had many followers. If Nicholas escaped, then they would have someone to lead them against Lenin. 

In the summer of 1918, Ekateringburg was threatened by advancing Whites. The decision was taken by the Bolsheviks to kill Nicholas and his family. On the night of July 17th, the family was awoken and told that there was trouble in Ekateringburg. They were told that the family would be safer in the basement of the house they were staying in. The whole family including the family doctor, and three servants joined them. 

A group of twelve Red Army soldiers shot everyone who was inside. The legend says that the Romanov girls were finished off with bayonets because the jewels they hid in their undergarments deflected the bullets. The bodies were removed from the basement and buried to a unmarked grave. 

The bodies of the Romanov family were not discovered until 1991 and reburied by the Russian government following a state funeral. The family are considered “passion bearers” by the Russian Orthodox Church for their humility. 

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