Latest news with #NicholasII
Spectator
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Catholics are praying for a speedy conclave
The Conclave, which meets in the Vatican today to elect a new pope, is likely to be brief. For the past hundred years, no conclave has exceeded four days, with two days being the most common. It seems unlikely that this one will be an exception. Many Catholics, at least, hope as much. The cardinals will not wish to expose the divisions within the Church to the world through a prolonged and fractious conclave. Taking their time would suggest a Church paralysed by competing factions. Convening quickly would project unity and resolve. But this being the Catholic Church, nothing is certain: deliberations can range from hours to years. Conclaves emerged from the 1059 papal bull of Pope Nicholas II, In Nomine Domini, which gave cardinals the sole responsibility for electing the pope.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The first modern steel battleship to be sunk by gunfire was an Imperial Russian flagship
The Russian battleship Oslyabya had a grand legacy. Named for a Russian hero, the vessel was little more than two years old when it went into battle against the Japanese in the Russian Far East. It would end up making history, but not for the reasons the Russian Empire would hope for. Its first naval engagement would be its last. Steaming into the 1905 Battle of Tsushima against the Imperial Japanese fleet, it would become famous as the first modern steel battleship to be sunk solely by enemy guns. The Battle of Tsushima went about as well for Russia as the rest of its ill-fated war against Japan, which is to say: not at all. On paper, the war shouldn't have been such a complete drubbing for the Russians. Both sides utilized similar, modernized technology, had a roughly similar number of troops available to fight and as a result, inflicted a horrendously similar number of casualties. But in naval terms, the number of Russian ships in its various fleets should have outmatched the Japanese – but that did not happen. In fact, the opposite happened. Twice. Japan was a relative newcomer to the modern world, but its military modernized and grew at a rapid pace, and that includes its leadership. Japan rocked China's world in the First Sino-Japanese War that ended in 1895, acquiring control of Korea and the Liaodong Peninsula with its warm water port of Port Arthur. Russia, Germany and France forced the Japanese out of China, and that's when Japan got the idea that the Europeans weren't taking their empire seriously and had to be taught a lesson. When Japan offered to recognize Russian dominance in Manchuria in exchange for Russian recognition of Japan's dominance of Korea, the Russians not only rejected it but suggested that Japan cede Korea. That's when Imperial Japan went for the sucker punch it would soon be famous for. It launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur in February 1904 and then laid siege to the city. In a war that would see upwards of 200,000 Japanese killed or wounded and 250,000 Russians killed or wounded, the Russian leadership would not win a single battle. Despite the Russian Empire's massive population, large military and nearly unlimited resources, all of that stuff was in Europe and the railroad to the Pacific wasn't finished yet. When the Japanese crippled the Russian Far East Fleet at Port Arthur, Tsar Nicholas II had to send his largely untested Baltic Sea Fleet to the Pacific. Under the command of Adm. Zinovy Rozhestvensky, the Baltic Fleet almost immediately fired on ships it thought were Japanese torpedo boats… in the North Sea. Those enemy warships turned out to be British fishing boats. Two British sailors were killed along with two Russians (somehow). The Russians even managed to mistake their own ships for Japanese vessels and fired on each other. The British would decide not to go to war over it, but the new Russian battleships opted to go around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, rather than steam through the British-controlled Suez Canal. The Baltic Sea Fleet's mission to relieve the Siege of Port Arthur would ultimately fail, mostly because it took seven months to get to the Sea of Japan. The city had fallen to the Japanese by then, and the battleships in port were sunk by Japanese land artillery. After steaming 18,000 nautical miles to the theater of war, the Russians weren't really in the best shape to do battle with Japan's veteran sailors and battleships. They were poorly maintained, many were old, and almost all of them were gathering microorganisms on their hulls, slowing them down and reducing their maneuverability. To be fair, they weren't looking to fight; they wanted to slip past and head to Vladivostok to regroup – but they tried the fastest, shortest, and most dangerous route past Japan: the Tsushima Strait. So, of course, a Japanese cruiser caught them, then sent a telegram to Adm. Tōgō Heihachirō, who went to sea with his entire fleet. It took six hours to catch up to the Russian fleet and less than an hour for Japan to cross the Russians' T, which meant the Japanese could fire full broadsides while the Russians could reply only with their forward batteries. Just 90 minutes into the battle, the Oslyabya, flagship of Rear Adm. Baron Dmitry von Fölkersam, was sunk by Japan's guns, the first modern steel battleship to go down that way. Fölkersam went down with the ship, which is probably another historic first. By the time the sun went down on May 27, 1905, Adm. Rozhestvensky was unconscious and the Russians had lost four battleships. Torpedo boats and destroyers harassed the Russians throughout the night (because the Russians decided to use their searchlights to try to find the enemy, giving away their positions in the dark). The next morning, what was left of the Russian ships tried to retreat but they were outclassed. They surrendered. Along with the Oslyabya, the Russians lost five more battleships during the Battle of Tsushima, as well as a littoral battleship and 14 other vessels. Two battleships, two coastal battleships, and a destroyer were captured, and more than 11,000 Russian sailors were killed or captured. The Battle of Tsushima also featured the first time wireless telegraph was a decisive part of the battle, as it signaled the Japanese fleet the Russians were present. The defeat forced Russia to sue for peace, setting the stage for Japan's rise as a true imperial power.
The Journal
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Quiz: How much do you know about tsars?
IT'S A JOB title that's stirred up a storm – the government's plan to appoint a so-called 'housing tsar' with a proposed €430,000 salary sparked fierce political backlash this week, ultimately prompting Brendan McDonagh to bow out before any formal appointment was made. Critics questioned both the pay and the need for such a role, while others took issue with the title itself. Advertisement How did a word rooted in the Russian empire even end up in modern Irish politics? Amid the new search for an Irish 'housing tsar', we wanted to ask you – how much do you know about tsars? What does the word "tsar" originally mean? Alamy Stock Photo Ruler by divine right King Caesar Protector of the people Which Russian tsar was famously overthrown during the 1917 revolution? Peter the Great Nicholas II Alexander III Alexander the Terrible The Romanovs were the last royal family to rule Russia. How many years were they in power? Alamy Stock Photo 103 years 157 years 266 years 304 years Which tsar founded the Russian city of St Petersburg, formerly known as Petrograd? Alamy Stock Photo Peter the Great Peter II Peter III Nicholas I What was Rasputin's official role at the Russian court during the rule of tsar Nicholas II? Alamy Stock Photo Military advisor Healer and spiritual advisor Minister for Religion Tutor to the tsar's children The last tsar of Serbia was a man named Stefan Uroš V. What rather unflattering nickname was he given? Alamy Stock Photo Uroš the Weak Uroš the Feeble Uroš the Ugly Uroš the Ailing In Bulgaria, the tsardom was abolished in 1946. How old was the last reigning tsar at the time? Alamy Stock Photo 293 days old Nine years old 12 years old 17 years old Which of these is NOT the name of a real Russian tsar? Alamy Stock Photo Feodor the Blessed False Dmitry Alexis the Quietest Leonid the Gentle Which tsarina was born a German princess named Sophie? Alamy Stock Photo Catherine I Catherine the Great Elizabeth Maria Feodorovna "He ruled the Russian land, and never mind the tsar" is a line from the iconic 70s disco hit, Rasputin by Boney M. At what position did the song peak in the Irish weekly charts? Alamy Stock Photo 3 6 10 18 Answer all the questions to see your result! You scored out of ! Gold tsar You were Russian through that one! Share your result: Share Tweet Alamy Stock Photo You scored out of ! Super tsar Nice one, you know your Alexanders from your Ivans Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! Not a tsar player You're not the biggest fan of Russian royalty Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! No gold tsar Go study up and listen to some Boney M Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! Quizzer the Terrible Share your result: Share Tweet Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why enemy armies formed the ‘Wolf Truce' in the middle of World War I
In the winter of 1917, Russian and German troops on the Eastern Front of World War I were not only fighting each other, they were also trying to stay alive amid the blistering cold, starvation and, surprisingly, large packs of wolves. It's a well-known historical fact that citizens of the Russian Empire were starving by the winter of 1917. It was one of the many reasons for the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of the Soviet Union. But German civilians and military personnel, too, were starving. An allied enemy stranglehold on German shipping, combined with a poor harvest in 1916 led to a period of food scarcity now known as the 'Turnip Winter.' It turns out that food shortages were just bad all-around, because even the wolves had trouble finding their next meal. A communique from Berlin in February 1917 reported that large packs of wolves had begun migrating from the forest of modern-day Lithuania, Poland and Belarus as their food supplies and habitats were increasingly threatened by the war. The animals soon began to find their way to the front lines. At first, they stuck to easier prey: cows, chickens, sheep, goats and other livestock being raised by the locals. Then they turned to an even easier prey, the wounded troops of World War I. Many areas of the front lines began reporting the large concentrations of wolves appearing in the combat zones. A war dispatch from the Russian Imperial capital of Petrograd (what is today St. Petersburg) reported that, on more than one occasion, the Russian and German troops had to cease their combat operations to focus on killing a common enemy. It seems the wolves stopped waiting for a lull in the fighting; they were so hungry they began taking down men in the middle of battles for a quick meal. The two sides decided to put their war on hold to go and hunt down the wolves. 'Parties of Russian and German scouts met recently and were hotly engaged in a skirmish when a large pack of wolves dashed on the scene and attacked the wounded,' One post from the a 1915 edition of The Oklahoma City Times printed. 'Hostilities were at once suspended and Germans and Russians instinctively attacked the pack, killing about fifty of the wolves.' After the brief 'Wolf Truce,' the dispatch continued, the two sides went back to their respective trenches while sniper fire, machine guns and other offensive operations were put on hold. The incident reported from Petrograd wasn't the only instance of this kind of timeout. Reportedly, the wolves threatened outposts and fortified locations held by both armies. The coming of summer brought no end to the wolf threat, either. In July 1917, the New York Times again reported that the wolves were a 'veritable plague' in Lithuania and an offensive had to be halted so that the two enemies could hunt down the wolves, this time killing several hundred of the hungry beasts. 'Poison, rifle fire, hand grenades, and even machine guns were successively tried in attempts to eradicate the nuisance. But all to no avail. The wolves – nowhere to be found quite so large and powerful as in Russia – were desperate in their hunger and regardless of danger. Fresh packs would appear in place of those that were killed by the Russian and German troops. As a last resort, the two adversaries, with the consent of their commanders, entered into negotiations for an armistice and joined forces to overcome the wolf plague. For a short time there was peace. And in no haphazard fashion was the task of vanquishing the mutual foe undertaken.' Fighting between Russia and Germany would only continue until December of 1917, as the Bolsheviks came to power in the October Revolution of that year and signed a separate peace with the Germans.
The Independent
15-02-2025
- The Independent
The winter holiday perfect for a taste of Alpine glamour
Breaking through the icy surface of Lake St Moritz is proving to be an issue. It's around 9am and my hair has a crystallised coating as it's -6C outside. For several days, I've been dreading the thought of submerging myself in the freezing waters – worried about the pain, the possibility of a heart attack from cold water shock, mud between my toes and fishes swimming around my feet. But I've been told this is the star attraction in a winter destination that shimmers as brightly as the frost sparkling on trees. Wearing a robe, swimming costume, woolly hat, gloves and hiking boots, I've trekked 300m around this beautiful lake surrounded by soaring snowy mountains, woods and the town of St Moritz along one bank. Bracing myself, I don wetsuit shoes, ditch the robe and clamber down to the water's edge. And then I'm in, up to my knees. While it's incredibly cold, I'm surprised not to feel any pain. Kneeling down further, the water now up to my shoulders, I keep my hands out and arms stretched. Alex – my butler at the nearby Carlton Hotel – reminds me to breathe and focus on the surrounding nature. My mind clears and I am calm. I notice how clear the lake is as I spot the pebbles under my feet. Before I know it, I've been in for 90 seconds (the maximum time for beginners). I hop out with renewed vigour as I feel a hot adrenaline rush burst through my body. Synonymous with celebrities and millionaires, St Moritz kickstarted winter tourism in Switzerland 150 years ago. Since then, the town with its trademark sun logo has hosted two Olympic games and developed into a thriving ski resort where being seen is as important as the winter sports. Originally built for Tsar Nicholas II as a summer residence, the 111-year-old Carlton Hotel embodies the glitz and glamour of the destination. St Moritz map: Everything here is about unwinding and connecting with nature. All 60 opulent rooms and suites are south-facing with bewitching views of the lake and peaks of the Engadin Valley. Still brimming with endorphins, I head straight to the Carlton's deluxe spa to defrost in its warm, bubbling indoor/outdoor pool. As I get in, there is an immense tingle from my feet to my knees, followed by goosebumps. I breathe in the Alpine crisp air and gaze at the wintry countryside through steaming effervescing waters. Back inside, the spa boasts a series of saunas and steam rooms with varying temperatures and an array of sublime treatments. Later I experience the Moving Mountains massage – where my feet are washed in Alpine salt and rosemary, before a dreamy hot stones massage from head to toe. Designed by Carlo Rampazzi, the hotel's interiors are extravagant and flamboyant. The light-flooded Bel Etage has two historic roaring fires and luxurious sofas with gigantic windows framing the tranquil Alps. How to plan your trip Carlton Hotel St. Moritz ( has B&B rooms from CHF 880/£777 per night based (two sharing), with CHF 100/£88 food and beverage voucher per adult per day. Despite it receiving the highest award Michelin can offer (three Keys), the hotel has a relaxed and fun ambience. The Carlton Bar drinks menu offers a list of Instagrammable cocktails and there is the quirky Fondue Gondola experience – which involves sitting in an outside Gondola, dipping bread, potatoes and pickles into a boiling five-cheese fondue. There are also two restaurants – the Grand Restaurant and the two Michelin starred restaurant Da Vittorio. Food is also served on the glorious Sun Terrace. Feeling invincible after my ice bathing session, I head to the floodlit 6km Preda-Burgün sled run. The start point of Preda is not accessible by car. Instead sledders must get there via the world heritage Rhaetian railway – a magical train journey through deep gorges, tunnels and over multiple viaducts. The tobogganing track is the Albula pass road, closed for winter, which descends 400m to the town of Bürgen. Although 'family friendly', it's still incredibly fast, with tight corners and steep drops. It is possible to spend a whole day doing this as there are special trains that run from Bürgen back to Preda to have another go. Other more sedate activities include a traditional horse carriage ride around the lake and woods, a guided tour of St Moritz and ice skating. Lastly, there is the opportunity to do some fantastic people watching. I try to spot a celebrity in the main town where streets are packed with designer shops. One afternoon, I have lunch up the mountain watching the skiers on the Corviglia while quaffing champagne and feasting on local delicacies at the Salastrains restaurant. But ultimately – no matter how big your budget or claim to fame – everybody in St Moritz is made to feel like a star.
