In 1894, Tsar Alexander III died suddenly of Kidney failure at a very young age. His son, Nicholas II took over the position (he was only 26) through succession, not knowing that he would soon become the tsar who brought the Romanov rule to an end after more than 300 years of autocratic rule.
The same year, Tsar Nicholas married Princess Alix (Alexandra) of Hesse-Darmstadt. The marriage was a love match. The couple were a perfect example of complete love for one another but, when one is a ruler of an empire, unquestionable love is not always a good thing. During the first years of the marriage, the Tsar would not even upset his wife by complaining about his problems to her. He was once quoted in saying the following to his brother-in-law "I am not prepared to be a Tsar. I never wanted to become one. I know nothing of the business of ruling".
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