Execution of Royal Family a Crime for Russians
July 27, 2008
Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Russia’s capital believe the execution of Nicholas II of Russia and his family was a crime, according to a poll by Bashkirova & Partners. 58.7 per cent of respondents in Moscow feel this way, while 27.5 per cent believe the incident was justified by political circumstances.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Russia’s capital believe the execution of Nicholas II of Russia and his family was a crime, according to a poll by Bashkirova & Partners. 58.7 per cent of respondents in Moscow feel this way, while 27.5 per cent believe the incident was justified by political circumstances.
Nicholas II abdicated in 1917, pressured by the Bolshevik revolution. The political movement led by Vladimir Lenin brought an end to Czarist domination, and established the Soviet Union. Nicholas II, his wife and five children were arrested and then executed by the Bolsheviks on Jul. 17, 1918, along with their servant and their physician.
When asked about the restoration of the monarchy in Russia, 39.6 per cent of respondents say it is unlikely to happen and they would feel negatively about it, while 19.2 per cent also claim it is unlikely to happen but they would feel positively about it.
On Jul. 17, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna—a direct descendant of Nicholas II—said Russians should still consider the restoration of the monarchy, declaring, "It’s for the Russian people to decide themselves if this option suits them. (...) It gives a nation something eternal they can rely on. (...) Forgive me, as head of the imperial house I couldn’t think otherwise, but it’s our people who should choose for themselves."
Polling Data
There are different views on the execution of the Russian royal family. Which of these views comes closest to your own?
The execution of the tsar family was a crime
58.7%
The execution of the tsar family was not a crime, it was justified by political circumstances at the time
27.5%
Don’t know
13.7%
How likely, in your view, is the restoration of monarchy in Russia? And how would you feel about that?
Unlikely and I would feel negatively about it
39.6%
Unlikely, but I would feel positively about it
19.2%
Likely, but I would feel negatively about it
17.2%
Likely, and I would feel positively about it
12.0%
Don’t know
12.0%
Source: Bashkirova & Partners
Methodology: Interviews with 400 Russian adults in Moscow, conducted from Jul. 7 to Jul. 9, 2008. No margin of error was provided.
