Tsar Nicholas II was an autocratic ruler who ruled without restrictions on his powers.
1. In 1905, there was a wave of political and social movements in Russia demanding greater democratic rights to the people. However, the Tsar suppressed the Revolution violently. Unarmed protestors were fired upon when they went to give a petition to the Tsar. The Revolution did led to the establishment of the Duma as the Russian Parliament. However, the Tsar refused and ruled himself.
2. The Tsar ruthlessley executed political opponents, including the brother of Lenin. 
3. The autocratic rule of the Tsar was also perceived to have contributed to the military weakening of Russia. The Tsar frequently refused to listen to military advice and insisted on taking military decisions himself.As a result of his military failures, Russia lost the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and also suffered severe setbacks in the First World War.

Autocratic Rule of Tsar Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas II, the last emperor of Russia, ruled with absolute authority and little regard for the needs and demands of his people. His autocratic rule was characterized by a number of key factors that contributed to his downfall and the eventual Russian Revolution in 1917.

Lack of Political Reforms:
- Nicholas II firmly believed in the divine right of kings and saw himself as the absolute ruler of Russia.
- He resisted any attempts to introduce political reforms or establish a constitutional monarchy, denying people the right to participate in the political decision-making process.
- The absence of a representative government or political parties limited the ability of the people to voice their concerns and grievances.

Suppression of Dissent:
- Nicholas II maintained a strict control over the media, censoring any publications critical of the government.
- He cracked down on political opposition, using secret police and state-sanctioned violence to suppress dissent.
- Political opponents, including socialists, revolutionaries, and liberals, were often imprisoned, exiled, or executed.
- This suppression of dissent further alienated the population and intensified their desire for change.

Failure to Address Socioeconomic Issues:
- Despite rapid industrialization, the majority of the Russian population lived in poverty and faced harsh working conditions.
- Nicholas II failed to address socioeconomic issues such as land inequality, low wages, and poor living conditions.
- The peasantry, who comprised the majority of the population, suffered from high taxes, land hunger, and limited access to education and healthcare.
- The growing discontent among workers and peasants fueled the revolutionary spirit and led to widespread strikes and protests.

Weak Leadership and Ineffectiveness:
- Nicholas II's leadership was marked by indecisiveness and a lack of political acumen.
- He made poor decisions during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), leading to a humiliating defeat and further undermining his credibility.
- During World War I, Nicholas II assumed personal command of the Russian army, which proved disastrous and resulted in heavy casualties.
- The war exacerbated food shortages and economic instability, leading to more unrest and discontent among the population.

Conclusion:
Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic rule was characterized by a lack of political reforms, suppression of dissent, failure to address socioeconomic issues, and weak leadership. These factors ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty and the Russian Revolution, marking the end of centuries of autocratic rule in Russia.