who was rasputin

Grigori Rasputin was a Russian peasant and mystic born in 1869 in Siberia. He gained fame and influence in the final years of the Russian Empire by befriending the imperial family of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia. Rasputin was considered a faith healer and was especially known for his role in helping Alexei Nikolaevich, the hemophiliac son of Nicholas II and Alexandra. Through this connection, he became a close and controversial advisor to the royal family, particularly Empress Alexandra. Rasputin's reputation was mixed; some saw him as a holy man and healer, while others viewed him as a charlatan and a scandalous figure due to his licentious behavior and heavy drinking. His influence peaked during World War I when Nicholas II left to lead the army, leaving Rasputin and Alexandra with greater control over the government, which led to resentment among many Russians. Rasputin was assassinated in 1916 by a group of noblemen who opposed his influence. His mystique and scandal contributed to the discrediting of the Tsarist regime, which soon collapsed after his death.