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[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Official Papers]] > '''The Abdication of Nicholas II'''
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<font size =4>15 March, 1917</font>
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Nicholas II signed his abdication on 15 March 1917 (2 March, Julian Calendar), 
at 3.05 pm. The document was countersigned by the Minister of the Imperial Court, 
and directed to the Chief of Staff. 
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In the days of the great struggle against the foreign enemies, who for nearly 
three years have tried to enslave our fatherland, the Lord God has been pleased 
to send down on Russia a new heavy trial. Internal popular disturbances threaten 
to have a disastrous effect on the future conduct of this persistent war. 
The destiny of Russia, the honor of our heroic army, the welfare of the people 
and the whole future of our dear fatherland demand that the war should be 
brought to a victorious conclusion whatever the cost. The cruel enemy is making 
his last efforts, and already the hour approaches when our glorious army together 
with our gallant allies will crush him. In these decisive days in the life 
of Russia, We thought it Our duty of conscience to facilitate for Our people 
the closest union possible and a consolidation of all national forces for 
the speedy attainment of victory. In agreement with the Imperial Duma We have 
thought it well to renounce the Throne of the Russian Empire and to lay down 
the supreme power. As We do not wish to part from Our beloved son, We transmit 
the succession to Our brother, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich, and give 
Him Our blessing to mount the Throne of the Russian Empire. We direct Our 
brother to conduct the affairs of state in full and inviolable union with 
the representatives of the people in the legislative bodies on those principles 
which will be established by them, and on which He will take an inviolable 
oath.<br><br> 

In the name of Our dearly beloved homeland, We call on Our faithful sons of the fatherland to fulfill their sacred duty to the fatherland, to obey the tsar in the heavy moment of national trials, and to help Him, together with the representatives of the people, to guide the Russian Empire on the road to victory, welfare, and glory. May the Lord God help Russia!
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[[Main_Page | WWI Document Archive ]] > [[Official Papers]] > '''The Abdication of Nicholas II'''
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