How accurate is Boney M’s Rasputin?

Aim: To evaluate the impact of Rasputin on Russia.

Starter:
1. As we listen to the song, read
through the lyrics and
highlight/ underline anything
that tells you what Rasputin
was like.

2. How good a source do you think

this song (or music in general) is for
understanding an historical event/
figure?
 Boney M’s Rasputin - My key takeaways

Ra ra Rasputin
Lover of the Russian queen

He ruled the Russian land and never mind the

Czar
But the kazachok he danced really wunderbar
In all affairs of state he was the man to please

They put some poison into his wine

Ra ra Rasputin
Russia's greatest love machine
He drank it all and said, "I feel fine"
 Rasputin! 1872-1916

Task:
Born in Siberia in 1869
1. Read through theWhen
events of made
the Tsar Rasputin’s
the life. During the Tsar’s
Highlight up to 5 words per
decision box.
to lead the
absence Russia was
Russia war effort and
chaos. The Tsarina was
leave Petersburg in 1915,
disliked as she was
2. What does Rasputin’s life
Rasputin andreveal to us
the Tsarina about
German born and the
1901 he left his wife and
childrenRussia at athis period?
were left running Russia.
to become nobility of Russia did not
travelling holy man aka a like the relationship
starets between the tsarina and
Rasputin which was
rumoured to be a sexual
relationship.
In 1912 the prince Alexei
By 1903 he had gained a nearly died, the doctors
reputation as a powerful being no use. Rasputin
healer and was taken up reassured the tsarina
by influential figures in Alexandra that Alexei
the Church in St would not die and Many aristocrats believed
Petersburg became her close Rasputin was bringing
confident from then on. shame onto the royal
family and had the
tasrina under his epll.
They plotted to kill him
and in December 1916
By 1906 Rasputin began Rasputin was revered by Prince Yusupov
a close relationship with the royal family for his murdered
the royal family. ability to treat their son him...eventually.
(Alexei) for hemophilia.
Rasputin! 1872-1916
 Lover of the Russian queen…?
holding
Postcards like this were widely
circulated around St Petersburg
in 1916
A letter from the Tsarina to Rasputin that was leaked to the
press. Some Historians think this may have been edited, others
point out that she used this sort of over-the-top language in all
her letters.
My beloved, unforgettable teacher, redeemer and mentor! How
tiresome it is without you. My soul is quiet and I relax only when I am
with you are beside me. I kiss your hands and wish only one thing, to
fall asleep, forever on your shoulder and arms. Will you soon be
again close to me? Come quickly, I am waiting for you and I am
tormenting myself for you, I love you forever.
How far could a historian make use of the sources to
investigate the perception of Rasputin in Russia?
Look at the two sources:
1. Annotate them both with the key points to look out
for below
2. Choose one to write a paragraph about, answering the
question above.
Challenge:
3. Do you think it actually mattered if Rasputin and the
Tsarina were having an affair?
How far could a historian make use of the sources to investigate the
perception of Rasputin in Russia?

Look at the two sources:

1. Annotate them both with the key points to look out for below
2. Choose one to write a paragraph about, answering the question above.

Challenge:
3. Do you think it actually mattered if Rasputin and the Tsarina were
having an affair?

Thinkingabout sources:
➔ What is the source?
➔ Provenance? Who wrote it? Why? Limitations?
➔ Content of the source - What does it tells us? Does it use
language that implies a certain point of view?
➔ Own knowledge - What historical knowledge do you
possess that challenges/supports the views put forward in
the source.
➔ How do the sources compare to one another? Does this
increase their reliability or usefulness?
 He ruled the Russian land and never mind the Czar…?

When the First World War broke out Tsar Nicholas II made the decision to take
over the command of the army. He was therefore occupied on the Western Front
and decided to leave his wife and Rasputin in charge of the government while he was
gone.
Rasputin’s influence ranged from the appointment of church officials to the selection
of cabinet ministers (often incompetent opportunists), and he occasionally
intervened in military matters to Russia’s detriment. Though supporting no particular
political group, Rasputin was a strong opponent of anyone opposing the autocracy or
himself.

By this time the 4th Duma was sitting - what do you remember about the
makeup of this Duma?

How might they have felt about Rasputin’s influence?

He drank it all and said, "I feel fine"...?

Watch the video and answer

the following questions:
1. Why do you think the
events of Rasputin’s
death have been
mythologised/
exaggerated?
 How accurate is Boney M’s Rasputin?

Ra ra Rasputin
Task:
Lover of the Russian
queen
1. How accurate do you think
Boney M’s song is?
He ruled the Russian land and never mind
2. Have a go at rewriting the lyrics
the Czar
But the kazachok he danced really
to better reflect your view of
wunderbar Rasputin.
In all affairs of state he was the man to
please

They put some poison into his

wine
Ra ra Rasputin
Russia's greatest love machine
He drank it all and said, "I feel
fine"