Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Rasputin never seemed to actually want to do anything. In other words, he had no grand plans in store for Russia, no vision that he wanted to fulfill. All Rasputin wanted was to be Rasputin." — Marcus Parks
"And it's almost like culture works that way. Weirdly, it seems like where it kind of like plants growing towards the light, they grow towards what's the biggest mess. What's like the most interesting fucking knot of bullshit that we can get involved in because humans are involved?" — Ben Kissel
"Rasputin's presence, he wasn't just causing trouble within the governmental system. Since the church was now firmly allied with Rasputin, the church lost face with the public." — Marcus Parks
The episode continues the narrative of Grigori Rasputin's complex and often scandalous life, focusing on his persistent influence despite numerous attempts to undermine him. The Russian Orthodox Church, initially viewing Rasputin as a rival, found itself unable to effectively counter his charisma and sway, even after investigations deemed him a heretic. Bishops were charmed, and Rasputin's unique "basso profondo" singing voice reportedly played a role in disarming his critics. However, his growing power and perceived interference with church matters led to further conflict.
Rasputin's personal life was a constant source of contention. Plots were devised to expose his supposed misdeeds, including a scheme involving photographs and hired women, intended to discredit him with the Tsar. Despite these efforts, Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra remained steadfast in their support, largely due to their belief that Rasputin was crucial for the well-being of their hemophiliac son, Alexei. This unwavering loyalty shielded Rasputin from significant repercussions, even when he was caught engaging in scandalous behavior or making obscene gestures. The narrative also touches upon the political landscape, with numerous government officials and Duma members expressing disdain for Rasputin, yet Nicholas II's reliance on his wife's opinion often trumped these concerns.
As World War I loomed, Rasputin emerged as an opponent of the war, citing the potential suffering of the peasant class and Russia's military disadvantages against Germany. His opposition, however, was largely ignored. The episode highlights the precariousness of the Romanov dynasty, with the potential for revolution and the profound impact Rasputin's presence had on their political standing and public perception. The narrative concludes by posing questions about how Russia's history might have unfolded differently without Rasputin's influence, suggesting his unpredictable actions and unique charisma irrevocably altered the course of events.