THE HISTORICAL IMAGE OF NICHOLAS II: THE MODERN VIEW OF RUSSIAN HISTORIANS

The article reveals the evolution of scientific views on the personality and activities of the Russian Emperor Nicholas II in the context of Russian historiography. The article examines the fundamental changes in the understanding of his image that occurred after the collapse of the USSR. It is noted that the Soviet historiographical tradition prevailed in criticizing his personality and politics, highlighting the negative features of governance and the internal contradictions of the empire. On the contrary, the latest research introduces new accents, revealing the active reforms and merits of the emperor, placing his actions within the complex historical context of the turn of the XIX–XX centuries. Researchers point out the importance of taking into account environmental factors and internal conflicts that influence political decisions and the fate of the last Russian monarch.