A Gene that Launched the Russian Revolution Hemophilia

Hemophilia: Bleeding disorder in which the person affected has a mutated gene that should code for an enzyme/clotting factor. There are two different types of hemophilia, each type is missing one of the two clotting factors. Without these clotting factors, hemophiliacs can have very serious bleeding episodes.

X linked Recessive Disorders: Hemophilia Muscular Dystrophy Color Blindness

Queen Victoria’s father was the son of King George III. Controversy around her conception. Gene affected England, Spain, and Russia through her daughters’ and granddaughters’ marriages into other Royal families.

The Romanovs Nicholas II of Russia’s father died in 1894 Just months later her married Alexandra from Great Britain- against his family’s wishes. The timing was seen as a bad omen by the people of Russia. Then at their Coronation, a stampede killed several people. Defeat in the Russian Japanese War. After 3 girls, Alexandra finally bore a boy, but he had the mutated gene.

Fearful of the publics view of this disease, the family kept it quiet Fearful of the publics view of this disease, the family kept it quiet. Alexandra carried the pain knowing that she was the cause for the very sick child. In 1905, enter Rasputin. Prior to coming to St. Petersburg, Grigori Rasputin was a monk, priest, mystic, and was visited by many people for advise, guidance and healing in exchange for food, drink, and other favors.

Rasputin’s mystical powers and reputation preceded him. He met Alexis during a bleeding episode and was able to stop his bleeding. Many believe Rasputin was able to heal by hypnosis; nevertheless, for Alexandra this meant salvation and peace of mind knowing someone could keep her son safe.

The beginning of the end… As World War I began to develop, Nicholas was drawn to the battle field. In his absence, Rasputin began spend more time with Alexandra providing political insight, and replacing politicians with his “cronies”. Rumors began to fly relating to the Tsarina and Rasputin’s relationship. Faith in the Royal family began to dissolve and opposition developed in St. Petersburg.

The Execution… Lured under false pretenses, Rasputin met acquaintances and was fed poisoned Sweet Cakes and Wine. Much after the poison was suppose to kick in, his murders became nervous, and shot Rasputin. As he fled, Rasputin was shot twice more. Once his pulse was checked and still found to be strong, he was beaten with an anvil, wrapped in a rug and thrown into a hole in the iced over river. When his body was found washed down the river, there were signs that showed a struggle. In other words, Rasputin was alive when he was thrown into the river.

After months of hiding, the Romanov’s were escorted to a basement where they were executed. Rumors of the women surviving from gems sewn into their dresses and the missing bodies from the gravesite inspired stories of the amnesia Anastasia and other survivals.

Question to Ponder: Without the “Royal disease” and the presence of hemophilia in Alexei, would there have been such turmoil during the Russian Revolution for the Romanovs?